Administrators password won't work! How do I get around this?

Question

I am trying to do a repair for Windows XP Home Edition, SP2.
When I put in my installation CD, and type 'r' for repair is asks me to enter the Administrator's password. I typed it in and it doesn't work!! It is definitely the right password as I've been using it every day for years. I've also tried leaving the space blank and pressing enter but still no go. It just keeps telling me I've entered an invalid password.

The reason I'm doing a repair is that windows will NOT boot up, no matter what. I cannot get onto the desktop. I have tried safe mode and last known good configuration but it still won't boot.. so please don't suggest going to start--->run etc.. since I can't get that far xP

Is there a way to make it stop asking for a password? How can I get the computer working again?

Answer 1

In general you want to do a repair install and NOT use the repair console.



Detailed instructions for a repair install are here http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm He also describes how to create an XP disk with the service pack included easily.



If you can no longer do a repair install or find it too complicated, DO NOT reformat and reinstall as this will wipe you out and leave you with nothing but the operating system. You would have to reinstall all your programs and much of your data would be inaccessible.



Reimage can repair your system even if a repair install fails. It costs a little but it is well worth it to save your data. It takes about 30 minutes and preserves your programs and data. If you are not happy with the results, you don't have to pay and you can reverse any changes that it made. More information here http://www.askthecomputerdoc.com/blog/cant-repair-xp-what-to-do-if-xp-fails/

Answer 2

Try typing the password slowly. There's a chance you may have just made an error. It sometimes happens to me when I check my email, I'll put my password in and I'm basically 100% sure it's right, but it tells me it's not.

Answer 3

My daughter had a problem when she forgot hers once and I think I fixed it by pressing F12 or F11 on start up. You also could try searching for a forum for the answer. Good Luck.

Answer 4

I suggest making a Bart Boot CD from http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/ and burning it do a CD, it usually fixes all the problems I have with Windows XP...