Windows XP Start Up Password
A colleague has a real problem here. She fell victim to someone who hacked into her PC and she now has a screen which is asking for a Windows Startup Password. It is not the normal Logon screen but carries the message : "This computer is configured to require a password in order to start up".
I have run a password reset program and successfully reset the password to blank. I have done this for all accounts. However, it does not seem to work for this particular problem and the same password screen keeps coming back. Help please! Thanks.
I have run a password reset program and successfully reset the password to blank. I have done this for all accounts. However, it does not seem to work for this particular problem and the same password screen keeps coming back. Help please! Thanks.
This can be Syskey
Could the message actually be a BIOS password prompt? Does Windows actually even begin to boot? ...RG
Does the computer allow you to start in safe mode?
If this is a BIOS password:
http://www.technibble.com/how-to-bypass-or-remove-a-bios-password/
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000235.htm
http://www.tech-faq.com/reset-bios-password.html
Obviously, some recommendations are duplicated. If this doesn't fix it, please post additional information about the system.
...RG
http://www.technibble.com/how-to-bypass-or-remove-a-bios-password/
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000235.htm
http://www.tech-faq.com/reset-bios-password.html
Obviously, some recommendations are duplicated. If this doesn't fix it, please post additional information about the system.
...RG
ASKER
I will try the Kaspersky disk. Yes Windows does actually begin to boot, it gets through the BIOS screen OK
ASKER
No I cannot start in Safe Mode .
Please do describe the login screen you are seeing in detail. ...RG
Please try repair windows XP by booting with the windows XP CD and press 'R' when you see the currently installed OS screen
look if this helps - if you can boot in safe mode - : http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Your_win_xp_user_password_has_been_changed_by_virus
Of course you could copy any data and reinstall the system too :)
ASKER
Intried to run Kapersky but got the message that the machine was shutting down as the temperature was running at 95gegrees! She has decided to buy a new laptop as this one is nearly 7 years old.... Thanks for all the advice
This is a good reason to replace the hard disk (hd) an install windows 7 and some security software.
Use the old hd as second hd (internal if space left, with USB-IDE for Notebook) and move after installation the data to the first hd. This is the only way to be sure that all “shit” is removed.
Use the old hd as second hd (internal if space left, with USB-IDE for Notebook) and move after installation the data to the first hd. This is the only way to be sure that all “shit” is removed.
Laptop running at 95 deg does not account for the the password prompt. You could always remove the HDD from the laptop, put it in a external caddy & run the Kaspersky. Also, may want to look at the air vents and see if it is dusty ot clogged. If you're feeling brave, remove back cover & look at the state of the CPU fan.
ASKER
She was anyway planning to get another laptop so this has created an ideal opportunity to ditch this one!
Set a password for administrator on a new laptop so noone will make her "jokes".
Is there anyway you could/can salvage the old laptop?
ASKER
Not really it is in very poor condition!
Out of pure curiosity, since we have been working on the issue, can you describe the login screen you are getting in some detail? Thanks...RG
Oh well. At least you can remove the RAM modules & HDD & make use of them.
ASKER
If you refer back to my post that will give you the text which appears in a small box in the centre of the screen with the heading "Windows XP Startup Password" with OK and Restart at the bottom of the box.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Thank you RG!
Try using the Kaspersky Resecue Disk from http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208282173
It's Linux based program & it's great for removing trojans, viruses, etc...
Good luck.