WinXP Syskey (HELP!!)

[Amorphus]

ok, so I used the SYSKEY utility in winXP pro (start>run>syskey) and stored the key on a floppy. worked all good and well for a long time, then somehow I screwed up my mobo. so, I RMA it, and when a new mobo gets here, I connect everything (same PCB revision # and everything, so shouldn't have to reinstall winXP), and then put in my syskey floppy. press enter at the prompt, and it says that the startup key is not present. my backup syskey disk doesn't work either.

I check both of the disks in another comp, says the disks are empty/not formatted (this is in a win2k system, although that shouldn't make a difference)

so I'm postulating that somewhere along the lines some magnetic field overcame the floppy disks (one of which was stored in the floppy drive and one of which was stored in the empty 3.5" bay under my floppy drive), which screwed them up.

so basically, now I can't get into my computer.

I've found several documents saying that it is possible to get around it, but with many uncomfortable gyrations and contortions. I don't mind that (I just don't want to reformat).

could anyone help me out?

if I end up getting it working from this thread, I will be in your debt forever. at least, until the school year starts. 😉

 

[fredtam]

Call MS and they will give you a new key if you provide the product ID if it is a legal copy.

 

[Amorphus]

OK, I fixed it (thanks dad!)

linux boot disk goodness.

 

[Amorphus]

http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/bootdisk.html

there.

 

[hoihtah]

Originally posted by: Amorphus
OK, I fixed it (thanks dad!)

linux boot disk goodness.

wow your dad help you on this?

i wonder how many of our fathers can give us technological helps.
if it was your biological father that you're thanking...
then you are truly blessed.

🙂

 

[Amorphus]

yar, me fahder sended me dis hyparleenk he gawt frum hiz companeez eyetee dood.

(from back when he forgot our win2k password. haw)

 

[JW310]

Originally posted by: fredtam
Call MS and they will give you a new key if you provide the product ID if it is a legal copy.

SYSKEY has to do with authentication for encrypted files on the drive. If you reinstall Windows, the authentication key changes, and without a backup copy of the old one (ala the SYSKEY utility), your files will not be accessable.


JW