locked out of computer - Diesel Forum

lge · 09-09-2008, 05:40 PM

My screen had the message that this computer is in use and the Administrator must enter password to change status. I tried all my passwords without success. Tried ctrl/alt/del. No change. Pushed the power buttom. It would not turn off. Pulled the power cord and it stopped.

Tried to restart. screen says I have 5 options. Safe mode--safe mode with networking--safe mode with command prompt--Last known good configuration --or start Windows normally. I tried all the options and it keeps returning to this screen.

Tried the recovery disk. Screen shows "please wait" for hours.

Should I give up on this computer? It is a Sony Vaio with XP. I have already replaced the hard drive and installed more RAM. Or is there a fix?

**Scottb NY** · 09-09-2008, 07:00 PM

My first question is this: if you hold the rower button for 5 seconds the computer should shut off. Try this and then power it on. Try a BLANK password for the administrator PW. Let me Know..

lge · 09-09-2008, 08:05 PM

It will start and stop but it will not boot up. I just get the screen that shows the 5 options. I have tried all 5 options and it tries to boot but returns to the same screen.

4micaman · 09-10-2008, 10:28 AM

Questions:

What Operating System are you running?
Do you have the installation disk for that OS? (Not a recovery CD that the Dell or HP ship with their systems)
Do you recall setting a password for the Administrator?

If you've never setup a password for the Administrator, it should be blank... as in no specified password. At the login prompt (dialogue box) Just hit the "enter" key and it "should" let you in.
Username - Administrator
Password - leave blank and hit the enter key

If you have setup a password for the Administrator - and don't recall what it is - you can recover/change it if you have the full installation CD. If you don't have the install CD, you can check out this page with basic instructions and a link to a "rescue CD" to download, burn and use to recover/change the password.

Unless your box has been hacked/cracked from the WWW or someone playing a prank on you (that had physical access to the box), it sounds like the screensaver is what's got the system locked up. That's just a SWAG though (scientific wild as* guess).

Another option that should be doable:
When you (re)start the computer, keep pressing the F8 key. This will give you the menu to choose what mode to boot into. Select "Safe Mode" (won't need networking). Here you can get into the control panel and edit/remove passwords.

THEBUNDO · 09-10-2008, 12:30 PM

You might be able to go into the BIOS during boot, and reset the security settings

**Scottb NY** · 09-10-2008, 07:35 PM

I am starting to think that the system might have been comprimised by someone or something. Was there an up to date AV on the machine and scans run while it was operational?

Band_Member · 09-14-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4micaman

..............Another option that should be doable:
When you (re)start the computer, keep pressing the F8 key. This will give you the menu to choose what mode to boot into. Select "Safe Mode" (won't need networking). Here you can get into the control panel and edit/remove passwords.

exactly what i was going to say

jbdawson · 09-28-2008, 03:08 PM

If memory serves can't you get into system restore from the F8 startup. I know there is a way because a dell tech talked me through it when an adobe reader update killed my XP system. Even though we were able to access system restore it didn't solve the problem and we wound up doing a system recovery from the original install disc. What a pain in the a** that was. Good luck.

4micaman · 09-28-2008, 03:11 PM

First lge and now Larry. They post with computer problems only to never be heard from again. Hopefully, they've not been sucked into the worm hole and have their 'puter issues sorted out.

sigh