Bypassing Windows XP Login password

[Lynette]

A disgruntled employee placed a password on my Compaq
computer when she left, and now I can't get past it to
get into the Control Panel. It's at the welcome screen
for Windows XP users. How do I get past it? Reinstall
the software?

 

[Scott]

Restart the computer. When the "Compaq" splash screen
comes up, but before you get to the Welcome screen, press
F8. You may have to press F8 again to get to the start up
options. Chose Safe Mode and hit enter. When you get the
welcome screen this time, you should see another user,
Administrator. If you know the password, or one hasn't
been set, log in as the Administrator. Go to the Control
Panel and make the change there (it sounds like you know
what to do - re-post if not).

WARNING! Playing around in Safe Mode can be dangerous.
If you are faint hearted, get someone who is. Also, if
the Adminstrator account doesn't have a password, assign
one. Make it different from your user account password.

OBTW - Sorry about the previous blank post - hit the enter
key at the wrong time.

Good Luck!