Windows XP Administrator Password

[George B]

I would like to run the repair function of Windows XP (booting with the
install disk, selecting repair). When I make the attempt it asks for the
administrator password. When I type in the password I use to start windows,
it claims it is the wrong password.

I should mention that when I installed XP I did not select a password.
Later, in user accounts, I added a password. I honestly don't know if I am
logging in as a user or the administrator. I am the sole user.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Guest]

I would like to run the repair function of Windows XP (booting with the
install disk, selecting repair). When I make the attempt it asks for the
administrator password. When I type in the password I use to start windows,
it claims it is the wrong password.

I should mention that when I installed XP I did not select a password.
Later, in user accounts, I added a password. I honestly don't know if I am
logging in as a user or the administrator. I am the sole user.

Thanks for any help.

If a password wasn't set just hit Enter.

 

[George B]

Does not work. When I press Enter another C:\WINDOWS prompt appears.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Iceman]

I would like to run the repair function of Windows XP (booting with the
install disk, selecting repair). When I make the attempt it asks for the
administrator password. When I type in the password I use to start windows,
it claims it is the wrong password.

I should mention that when I installed XP I did not select a password.
Later, in user accounts, I added a password. I honestly don't know if I am
logging in as a user or the administrator. I am the sole user.

Thanks for any help.

I assume you are using XP Pro, which has a built-in Administrator password
(XP Home doesn't). If you don't know that password, study the papers that
came with your computer, and, if you're no wiser, contact the vendor.

 

[George B]

This is a Dell computer with Windows XP Pro. Dell says they DO NOT ship
computers with "built-in" Administrator's passwords.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[Nepatsfan]

In

I would like to run the repair function of Windows XP
(booting with
the install disk, selecting repair). When I make the attempt
it asks
for the administrator password. When I type in the password
I use to
start windows, it claims it is the wrong password.

I should mention that when I installed XP I did not select a
password.
Later, in user accounts, I added a password. I honestly
don't know
if I am logging in as a user or the administrator. I am the
sole
user.
Thanks for any help.

What exactly are you trying to accomplish?

The actions you've taken will allow you to run the Recovery
Console. The C:\WINDOWS prompt you saw was the Recovery
Console.

If you're attempting to perform a repair installation, then you
hit the R key too early. You need to press Enter to begin the
XP installation process and then hit the R key to repair your
current installation.

Take a look at these articles for more info.

How to install and use the Recovery Console in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307654

Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[MAP]

I would like to run the repair function of Windows XP (booting with
the install disk, selecting repair). When I make the attempt it asks
for the administrator password. When I type in the password I use to
start windows, it claims it is the wrong password.

I should mention that when I installed XP I did not select a password.
Later, in user accounts, I added a password. I honestly don't know
if I am logging in as a user or the administrator. I am the sole
user.

Thanks for any help.

Here ya go.


The recovery console needs the pasword for the person who installed XP, not
for just any administrator. If the install was done by a major PC maker,
you may need to contact them for it.
However, the password is sometimes blank. So, try just pressing enter when
you are asked for a password, it may help.
Or, if you can get into XP, even safe mode, you can arrange to bypass the
password by the following registry change:
Instead, just run REGEDIT (Start à Run à Regedit)

Navigate to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Setup\Recover
yConsole
Set the DWORD SecurityLevel value to 1

http://www.theeldergeek.com/recovery_console.htm

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I would like to run the repair function of Windows XP (booting with the
install disk, selecting repair). When I make the attempt it asks for the
administrator password. When I type in the password I use to start
windows, it claims it is the wrong password.

I should mention that when I installed XP I did not select a password.
Later, in user accounts, I added a password. I honestly don't know if I
am logging in as a user or the administrator. I am the sole user.

Thanks for any help.

The password being requested is that of the built-in _Administrator_
account, not the password for any other administrative user accounts that
the computer's owner may have created. Unless the owner deliberately set
the Administrator's password via the Management Console (_not_ the Control
Panel), it's probably still blank. WinXP Pro asks the installer to set the
Administrator's password during installation, but WinXP Home doesn't.

How to Log On to Windows XP If You Forget Your Password or Your Password
Expires
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q321305

Failing that, Linux-based password cracking utilities abound on the
Internet, freely available to anyone who can use Google.



--
Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Does not work. When I press Enter another C:\WINDOWS prompt appears.

Then it did work. You're in the Recovery Console.

Description of the Windows XP Recovery Console (Q314058)
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=kb;en-us;Q314058



--
Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety
deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell