Computer Lockout

Hi All,
My friend tells me he wanted to simplify the logon to his WinXP pro laptop. Since it is a home system and he is the only one using it , I could not understand all the security. It requires Control, Alternate, Delete just to get started. He removed one of the (administrator) user names thinking he could use Administrator as a logon user name. The password from the removed user name is still there (I think). The result is that he or I can't get past the login screen and any combination I tried gives information about the incorrect user name.

He told me that he had a good system restore in January but I'm lost as to how to get to restore since I can't get past that nasty lock out screen. Any help, anyone?

 

PeteC

Yes, Booting to Safe Mode was one of the first things I tried. The start sequence is still the same in Safe Mode, Con Alt Del and then a Log On screen for the user name and password. Putting Administrator in as the user results in the same Log on message, "The system could not log you on. Make sure etc. ........"

There must be some way around this blocking but when I suggested a reinstall, the computer owner was not too happy. Is there something that might be done by going into the registry? In the meantime I'll keep searching the XP helps and tips.

 

derfsch,

See this thread, in particular the link to recovery console in Newts first post and the link I provided in my third post. Did you try Last Known Good Configuration?

 

noahdfear

Thank you for your response. I did try "Last known good configuration" with negative results. Your reply and the former threads offer the direction I need. I'll be away for the next two days but I'll get back to all of you with any results that are produced.

 

Hi All,

Following the posts to Lorreen's of 2/5/04, I booted to the Recovery Console with negative results. I suggestsed to my friend that a re-install might be in order. He brought his laptop to my home, using the link provided by Johanna , Paul Thurrott's Clean Initial Install, and using my desktop we walked through the installation process on his laptop. I gave him a simple user name and no password. He seemed happy to get his computer back and working, it was the first time I saw him smile in two weeks.

He and I thank you for your help.