HELP: Need to Boot NT 4.0 to DOS Prompt
In attempts to fix my registry on an old NT 4 server, I've renamed a backup registry file. To my dismay it's asking for the Administrator password, in which i don't have.
So.. either 2 things need to happen:
1- I reset the Administrator password
2- I find/create a bootdisk that will get me to a command prompt where I can rename back the OLD registry file.
To make matters worse....
This is an old DELL Server with NO USB and will only boot from Floppy (1.44) or Hard disk.
I've tried to create a Offline Windows Password & Registry Editor, Bootdisk but its not finding the drives.
THE GOOD NEWS:
I have another identical server where I could create a boot disk and have access to a floppy drive,
So.. either 2 things need to happen:
1- I reset the Administrator password
2- I find/create a bootdisk that will get me to a command prompt where I can rename back the OLD registry file.
To make matters worse....
This is an old DELL Server with NO USB and will only boot from Floppy (1.44) or Hard disk.
I've tried to create a Offline Windows Password & Registry Editor, Bootdisk but its not finding the drives.
THE GOOD NEWS:
I have another identical server where I could create a boot disk and have access to a floppy drive,
ASKER
Believe me this piece of $^&t doesn't boot to CD, in CMOS it only gives 2 options Floppy or HD.
We're in the process of getting this old thing put on a VM... somehow it lost the NIC driver and won't completely recognize if you try to install a new one. (long story). In other words it a huge brick!
I did notice something that "might help" the Password reset tool consists of 3 floppies.. one to boot and other 2 are HD drivers. The downloaded driver files that were zipped need to remain like that when put on floppy. I unzipped them. Hopefully that will reset the password.
I wonder if I can boot with a Win98/Win ME boot floppy?
We're in the process of getting this old thing put on a VM... somehow it lost the NIC driver and won't completely recognize if you try to install a new one. (long story). In other words it a huge brick!
I did notice something that "might help" the Password reset tool consists of 3 floppies.. one to boot and other 2 are HD drivers. The downloaded driver files that were zipped need to remain like that when put on floppy. I unzipped them. Hopefully that will reset the password.
I wonder if I can boot with a Win98/Win ME boot floppy?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
Because i figured it out on my own
NT4 doesn't have DOS OR a recovery console. You cannot boot to one. I vaguely remember some repair options with the boot disks you create from NT4... but it's been a LONG time (why isn't this a VM?)
Your best and possibly only option at this point is to perform a parallel install of another copy of NT4 or 2000 (or 2003) so you can access to the drive that way (assuming the CD idea doesn't work).