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ZSN-IT2

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Vista login "incorrect username or password" when correct username and password have been entered

Windows Vista x64

Have always used automatic login before. Recently added second administrator account so login screen now appears. When correct password is entered, the computer says incorrect username or password. This is true for both accounts. Can not get past the log in screen at all. Can not log into the system.

When the password has been used to authenticate administrative tasks previously, it has been fine. Don't believe I have ever used the login screen before so this issue may have existed before the second account was created and only made apparent by this addition.
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LeeTutor
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This site allows you to download files needed to create a bootable floppy disk or CD-ROM which contains a program that can be used to reset passwords on a Windows NT-based OS (such as WinXP and Vista):

http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/
Offline NT Password & Registry Editor

It is a rather "geeky" tool; not a nice Windows graphical user interface.  You might want to check this page for a demonstration of its use, with screenshots provided in the article:

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/window-on-windows/?p=639
Reset lost Windows passwords with Offline Registry Editor

There is also a video about using this tool here:

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/itdojo/?p=140&tag=nl.e550
Video: Reset Windows passwords with the Offline NT Password and Registry Editor

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ZSN-IT2

ASKER

NT Registry editor did not solve the problem. SAFE MODE had the same problem with login. Issue has been temporarily worked around using System Restore, second account has been deleted and automatic login reinstated.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Computer101
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