Windows XP forum: Can't get past Windows password on startup

This happens as the computer reboots I have tryed to disconnect power reboot cant get past windows password logon and no options but to shutdown.I'm at a loss HELP

Tryed that even in safe mode it still wont let me past the windows password signin anything else I can try THANKS

I have tryed that system will not even let me into safemode without a password even in command prompt any more suggestions PLEASE HELP NEED LAPTOP TOMMORROW BACK TO WORK.

Thank Sam I have tryed to start in safemode it will not let me past windows logon to change anything it won't even let me into command prompt never seen anything like it.

It is not always desirable to use one set of credentials which roam part of the user's profile and encrypted (%Userprofile%\Application Data\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\My\Certificates) for access to different resources ensuring that if one password is compromised it does not compromise all security. Group Policy allows you to limit use of the Stored User Names and Passwords. In the Group Policy MMC snap-in:

a. Double-click the Security Options folder (Computer Configuration, Windows Settings, Security Settings, Local Policies, Security Options).

b. Right-click Network access: Do not allow storage of credentials or .NET Passports for network authentication, click Enabled, and then click OK, [Troubleshooting Certificate Status and Revocation].

Note: The certificates are stored in a location known as a certificate store -- the machine store used by the computer and the user store or My store used by the currently logged on user.

c. "Behavior of Stored User Names and Passwords (Q281660)."

d. "HOW TO: Manage Stored User Names and Passwords on a Computer That Is Not in a Domain in Windows XP (Q306541)."

e. "HOW TO: Manage Stored User Names and Passwords on a Computer in a Domain in Windows XP (Q306992)."

Since there is no way to gain access to the locked out laptop the only solution is to reinstall XP.

If you need to copy over your files you can pull the hard drive from the Laptop and attach it to the Desktop using a 2.5" ~ 3.5" Ide Converter.

See this link for the converter:
http://www.sewelld.com/25to35ideconverter.asp

Then copy over all the files from the Laptop to the Desktop.

Now attach the HDD back to the Laptop and reinstall XP.

After a weeks worth of reading and going over the many links you sent me cursorcowboy and the college crash course on making a computer work I'm back to square one wouldn"t it have been much easier to just tell me to take it to a professional or trash it and get a new one?

Welcome and thank you. Since your question was on the forum it would appear you were willing to learn system password idiosyncrasies rather than running off to a repair site which cost money. I'm sorry you didn't find anything useful in my post but please understand that I do not normally furnish a simple point-&-click fix -- several others appear to have already done that -- since my way is to suggest a member use anything I furnish as references in such a manner to learn from and to re-use later -- perhaps even pass their learning on to somebody else.

Bill Gaston

You did not have any password before--well, did someone play a trick on you by inserting a password ? It happened to me once--I found the details on a text file while copying personal files before formating and reinstaling...never found out who.

christy

In my old windows 98 I had a floopy that I sliped in and recovered passwords when my daughter and wife were forgetful and forgot them is this not availiable in XP PRO.

There is a method to use a password reset disk. Read the following MSKB article:
Q305478 - "How to create and use a password reset disk for a computer that is not a domain member in Windows XP"
It's a preventive measure however, so you should prepare one ahead of time.

In your case, in order to exit the hole, you should use one the methods pointed in my previous message. It appears that you didn't try any.


Good Luck,

Cetin