log in problem

when i boot up...i click on my log in name...my computer says i need to activate windows...i click yes to activate...i get another prompt that says my windows is activated...i click ok and it returns me to the log in screen...i have no access to the computer....is there a way to get to DOS to reformat...is there a way to get around this????

 

I am assuming you have other problems then the log in problem stated above, which is the reason to format the computer.
You can format the computer with your windows XP CD, just make sure that the computer will boot from CD in your BIOS settings. and set up a new windows install or try to repair your current install.
Personally i would wait till a moderator can give you an answer about the log in problem, you should be able to solve it without reformating the harddive using the recovery console (also from the Windows XP CD) or maybe even other solutions.

Have you tried to safe boot windows?

 

i cant get anywhere in the computer. i dont know how to get to safe part of windows and nothing will boot up off of the cd rom. ive tried several different cd's. it just goes strait to the log in page. the computer is stuck there.

 

Make sure all cds and floppies are removed from the computer, and shut the computer completely off. Go have a cup of coffee. (This isn't a necessary step for the computer, just for the frustrated user.) Turn the computer back on, and tap the F8 key as the computer boots. You should get a screen asking you if you want to boot to Last Known Good Configuration, Safe Mode, Safe Mode with networking etc. Use your arrow keys to select "Safe Mode" and press enter. If you get to a (yes, it will look very strange!) post back. If the computer won't let you into safe mode, there are some other tricks available.

What does this mean, exactly? Do you have the original XP cd that was used to install XP onto your computer? That is the cd you are going to need, because if it goes into Safe Mode, you can try an SFC (System File Check) with it.

Johanna