I'm Screwed - Corrupt Passwords Vista H. Prem = pls help !

[kestrel]

machine was operating - noticed mouse icon (arrow) not visible (disappeared).
Rebooted - mouse icon came back but password not recognized. I'm stuck as i
can't access or use. No restore pt set as machine new.

Any advice for accessing & resetting password ? Really don't want to full
restore as can't afford to lose data.

Desperate ....

 

[Dublin]

I have a similar but slightly different problem. I went to start up Windows
Vista for the first time (it was already installed on my new lap top) and the
first screen that came up was one which said "Other User" and asked for
user-name and password. I don't have a name or password yet for this
computer, and it won't accept anything that I put in, including leaving it
blank. Any suggestions?

 

[Jeff Smith [MSFT]]

Try logging in as Administrator or Guest with a blank password.
If that doesn't work, call up the person who sold you the laptop and
complain

 

[kestrel]

Thanks Everyone for your attention and response !

I've learned through pursuing this that there's a problem in Vista where
passwords can become corrupted. This has been confirmed through numerous
sources where I've sought resolution (computer manufacturers, web and CE's).

My resolution was bringing machine (newly purchased) back to company I
bought it from (Tiger) who have support staff and tools (utilities) to reset
passwords and add users. Tiger did a great job and had my machine back
operable within a couple hours (it had to wait in que).

Overall - took me 4+ days to resolve. First sought resolution over the web.
Had no success with (free) professed proven "hacks" to reset passwords (even
those with video showing how accomplished). I did not attempt purchase of
supposed tools to resolve problem. Went back to store - as was under
warranty, and they fixed quickly.

MS help (free under warranty) via web wasn't useful as it required a
verification "key" to submit help request. Unfortunately this "key" is
accessible only from a functioning (operating) computer. Mine wasn't - as I
couldn't get past password glitch.

What I've learned .... (these will assure tutorial and standard resolution
approaches will work = much time & headache spared)

.... make sure restore points are set.
.... create an ADMIN account w/ password - other than an Admin type user
.... make a password reset CD

My excuse for not doing was computer was new - and basically, I'm the
primary user. I' know better now. Hope this helps others.

Again ... Thank You ! Best Wishes for smooth (and smart) computing