"Log On to Windows" locked. HELP

[GoofyinAV]

I recently purchased a used laptop for my daughter. In order for her to log
on, there was a sign on screen (Log On to Windows) with the previous owners
name that required a password. The password was not enabled so all she had to
do was hit ENTER and it signed on. She has OCD and was trying to erase the
previous owners info cause it irritated her so much that his name came up on
the screen. She says after she erased the previous owners account from the
"system", she could no longer log on. The "Log On to Windows" screen still
comes up with the previous owners name, but now when she hits ENTER, it says
"The system can not log you in. Make sure your user name and domain are
correct, then type your password again...." Is there anyone there who can
help me. She has a college paper that she started in the computer and it is
due in 2 weeks and she needs to get in the computer to get to it. Thank you
so much for any one who can help.

 

[Nepatsfan]

I recently purchased a used laptop for my daughter. In order for her to log
on, there was a sign on screen (Log On to Windows) with the previous owners
name that required a password. The password was not enabled so all she had to
do was hit ENTER and it signed on. She has OCD and was trying to erase the
previous owners info cause it irritated her so much that his name came up on
the screen. She says after she erased the previous owners account from the
"system", she could no longer log on. The "Log On to Windows" screen still
comes up with the previous owners name, but now when she hits ENTER, it says
"The system can not log you in. Make sure your user name and domain are
correct, then type your password again...." Is there anyone there who can
help me. She has a college paper that she started in the computer and it is
due in 2 weeks and she needs to get in the computer to get to it. Thank you
so much for any one who can help.

Every XP system has a built-in account named Administrator. It's there for the
kind of emergency you've encountered. How you log on with that account depends
on what version of XP is installed on the computer.

If XP Professional is installed on this laptop, try entering Administrator in
the User name box of the Log on to Windows dialog. The password should be blank,
so go ahead and hit the Enter key.

If XP Home Edition is installed, you'll have to restart the laptop and boot into
Safe mode to gain access to the Administrator account. Once you restart the
laptop keep hitting the F8 key until you see the Windows Advanced Options menu.
Use the up arrow key to select Safe Mode and hit Enter. You should see the
Administrator account displayed on the Welcome screen. Click on the icon and log
on with that account.

Moving on, in order to delete the previous owner's account your daughter had to
log on with either the Administrator account or another admin level account she
created. If you're able to log on with the Administrator account, go to Control
Panel and double click User Accounts. Take inventory of what user accounts exist
on the laptop. If needed, you can create a new user account for your daughter.

Note: Unless this computer has to log on to a domain, you might want to
configure the laptop to use the Welcome screen to log on instead of the Log on
to Windows dialog. You enable the Welcome screen in User Accounts -> Change the
way users log on or off.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[GoofyinAV]

Thank You so much!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are a life saver. I did what you said and
it worked!!!! I friggin love you man.

 

[Nepatsfan]

You're welcome.

On a side note, if your daughter is taking this laptop to her college classes,
you might consider adding passwords to all user accounts including the
Administrator account.

Also, you might even want to go a step further and create an account for
yourself on the laptop where only you know the password. You could then demote
your daughter's account to a limited account. That way she will not be able to
create or delete accounts. Keep in mind that a limited account is also unable to
install programs. Any actions on the laptop that can only be performed by an
administrator would now be your responsibility. It's your choice whether you
want to take this precaution or be prepared to deal with future emergencies.

Good luck

Nepatsfan