Administrator password for Recovery

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jack S.
  • Start date Start date
J

Jack S.

I am trying to log on to the recovery console, but can't
because it asks for an "administrator password". I don't
have a password assigned, but I get the message "password
is not valid". Any help would be appreciated. I have a
Dell 8200. Thanks
 
I am trying to log on to the recovery console, but can't
because it asks for an "administrator password". I don't
have a password assigned, but I get the message "password
is not valid". Any help would be appreciated. I have a
Dell 8200. Thanks
Click to expand...
Presumably the machine came with XP pre-installed - you need to contact
Dell for the password.
 
Did you try a blank password? I've noticed on a lot of Dell pre-installs
(and other OEMs, too) that the administrator password is left blank.

Steve
 
I assume that the fact you want to run the recovery console means that
windows is broken. If however you can get into windows you could change the
password. XP home by default does not have an administrator password but it
can be set. Click run and enter "control userpasswords2" you can change the
password here.

Sam
 
This happens because Dell installs Windows XP from a Sysprep image. Details here, 308402 - 'The Password Is Not Valid' Error Message Appears When You Log On to Recovery Console in Windows XP: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308402

That link gives you information about a hotfix for this problem which you must call MS to get. Don't worry, they are not going to charge you for it as long as you tell them the specifics that prove you are experiencing this problem. Do NOT ask any unrelated technical questions when you call about this or you might be charged for that.

If you are using XP Pro, try this workaround if you do not want to go through the steps of getting the patch, 312149 - HOW TO: Enable Administrator to Log On Automatically in Recovery Console: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;312149

--

Bill James
Microsoft MVP·DTS

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