Cannot log on to XP Pro machine

[Guest]

machine: IBM Thinkpad runnign WinXP PRo.
I work from home.
I connect to the office using BT Broadband modem to connect to BT
Then I VPN to my office network.

To do this, I must be able to 1st boot my machine and log on to Windows.

I normally do this by entering my User Name, Password and Domain name, even
though when I log on to the machine, I am offline.

My problem began when I was trying to help a friend network his home machines
Friend and I were talking on the phone.
I was walking through steps on my laptop while he did the same on his machine.

From System Properties/Computer Name/ I selected the option to connect to a
Workgroup (as opposed to my normal Domain)
I expected that the Network connection wizard would let me cancel out - it
didn't!

I changed my settings back to point to the domain, but then the next time I
booted my machine, it would not let me log on to windows! I get the message:

"The system cannot log you on now because the domain (domain name) is "

I am guessing that it won't log me on to Windows because I am not wired to
the Domain? I cannot use the option "log on using dial-up connection" because
I have to VPN to the Domain.

Am I stuffed?

How can I log on to Windows on this machine?
I very much need to be able to log on because this is my work machine.

 

[Robert L [MS-MVP]]

you may have two options. 1. re-join the domain. 2. if you only access the domain through vpn, you may just logon local computer and establish the vpn.
For more and other information, go to http://howtonetworking.com.

Don't send e-mail or reply to me except you need consulting services. Posting on MS newsgroup will benefit all readers and you may get more help.

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
How to Setup Windows, Network, Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties.
I recommend Brinkster for web hosting!

machine: IBM Thinkpad runnign WinXP PRo.
I work from home.
I connect to the office using BT Broadband modem to connect to BT
Then I VPN to my office network.

To do this, I must be able to 1st boot my machine and log on to Windows.

I normally do this by entering my User Name, Password and Domain name, even
though when I log on to the machine, I am offline.

My problem began when I was trying to help a friend network his home machines
Friend and I were talking on the phone.
I was walking through steps on my laptop while he did the same on his machine.

From System Properties/Computer Name/ I selected the option to connect to a
Workgroup (as opposed to my normal Domain)
I expected that the Network connection wizard would let me cancel out - it
didn't!

I changed my settings back to point to the domain, but then the next time I
booted my machine, it would not let me log on to windows! I get the message:

"The system cannot log you on now because the domain (domain name) is "

I am guessing that it won't log me on to Windows because I am not wired to
the Domain? I cannot use the option "log on using dial-up connection" because
I have to VPN to the Domain.

Am I stuffed?

How can I log on to Windows on this machine?
I very much need to be able to log on because this is my work machine.