Fresh install of w2k - admin logon failed - PLEASE HELP!

[Guest]

I have just installed a fresh copy of w2k on an older laptop. I had it
working a few weeks ago and then it tried upgrading to SP4 and when it did,
it messed up the system and I had to re-install w2k pro.

My problem is:

When I installed it, it never gave me a chance to set a password for admin.
So, when it finally booted up in w2k, I tried a blank password and it gave me
the following error:

The system cannot log you on due to the following error:

The specified domain either does not exist or could not be contacted.

Please try again or consult your system administrator.

So, I went online to do a search. Found all kinds of password reset apps.
Used one to change the password to blank. Restarted. Tried loggin in. Still
same error.

I've tried the Directory SErvices Restore option under F8 and it still gives
me the same error. Nothing works.

CAn someone tell me why this is happening so I do not have to reinstall the
system for a 10th time? I do not have room on the harddrive to install two
instances of the operating system.

 

[George Hester]

Installing a fresh copy of Windows 2000 always asks you to enter a Administrator password. I have never
seen that not happen. In fact it occurs right after you enter the serial number for the OS. One time I put the
caps lock on; entered the serial number; installed rebooted and tried to sign on and failed. Turned out I
forgot to undo the caps lock.

I you really think you did all that was necessary just wipe the drive and reinstall. You're at the point where
there is nothing to lose except maybe a little time trying to get what you have working. I almost did that
and then remembered the caps lock key.

 

[Guest]

George,
That is definitely not my problem. The last time (and not the first time
it's happened), it did not give me the screen to put in admin password. In
addition to that, I'm getting many errors saying it cannot load the cdrom or
network something or other so I'm wondering if my cd of win2000pro is going
bad...

Thanks for your help!
Jim