Login with valid password denied

[Bob Hill]

All attempts to access drive have failed. Tried login as
machine\administrator and still no access.
Even access to safe mode comes back to "The system can not
log you on now because the domain xxx is not available".
There is no message number or any other messages.
I can boot the setup disks and do Repair, Console to get a
shell prompt, or attach the drive to a second computer to
access it as D: drive. I have done both and all files and
data are present but on any boot attempt it will not allow
access. The os is Win 2000 Pro, Service Pack 4
I have disabled the nic in bios and unpluged the cat 5
cable. The system was set up to get a dynamic IP from
router but not setup as part of any domain. Two other
machines with same OS on the same router and they work
fine.
Any suggestions as to a file or regestry key to
change/delete or replace while booted at command prompt or
as a D: drive on a second machine?
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Olaf Engelke [MVP]]

Hi Bob,

Even access to safe mode comes back to "The system can not
log you on now because the domain xxx is not available".

may sound very obvious, but if you click on the Advanced Options button on
logon screen, is there a Domain name written? If yes, change it to the local
PC name.

If this won't help you may try to reset the Administrator password:
http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/bootdisk.html

Best greetings from Germany
Olaf.