password on setup

[pinny]

Hi

I want to completely start again with my computer. I have a brand new
copy of XP SP2 to install.

The problem is the mess left behind by the previous person who
installed XP SP1.

The set up is password protected. Thus I can't get in to get the
system to boot off the XP Disk.

I really want to do a clean install and reformat the disk to NTFS.

I've tried just running the XP disk but it installs on top of the
exsisting install.

I try to format C but get a message to say Windows cannot format this
drive, quit any utilitiesor other programs that are using this drive,
and make sure no window is displaying the contents of the drive. Then
try again

Any ideas please

 

[ChrisC]

Hi, if you mean the bios setup then you'll need to find the jumper that
returns the bios to it's default. Sometimes they are colour coded, sometimes
they as marked CMOS. If you've a motherboard manual then that will point you
in the right direction, you also might be able to find one online. If that
can't be doen, try removing the CMOS battery and leaving the PC for a while
for the CMOS to clear....
ChrisC

 

[Anando [MS-MVP]]

Hello,

You might want to boot off the CD/DVD and do a clean install. More info here:

XP Clean Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

--

Anando
Microsoft MVP- Windows Shell/User
http://www.microsoft.com/mvp
http://www.mvps.org


Folder customizations
http://newdelhi.sancharnet.in/minku

Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

 

[Squire]

Pinny, go into the case and reset the jumper to short out the BIOS.
Then replace it in the original position and reboot.

This will set everything back to the default settings so you can set the CD
to start before the hard drive does.

 

[pinny]

thanks guys for the quick responses.

I've taken the back off the PC.

I've no idea how to locate any jumpers...theres no montherboard manual.

I've located a flat disk type 3v battery, but am not sure how to remove
it with out doing any damage

 

[pinny]

how would I identify the motherboard to find a manual?

 

[Squire]

The cmos battery is about the size of a nickel and usually just clips in.
You can remove it without causing any damage.
After removal let the mother board sit for at least 5 minutes to let the
capacitors drain out before you replace it.

 

[Frank]

Hi

I want to completely start again with my computer. I have a brand new
copy of XP SP2 to install.

The problem is the mess left behind by the previous person who
installed XP SP1.

The set up is password protected. Thus I can't get in to get the
system to boot off the XP Disk.

I really want to do a clean install and reformat the disk to NTFS.

I've tried just running the XP disk but it installs on top of the
exsisting install.

I try to format C but get a message to say Windows cannot format this
drive, quit any utilitiesor other programs that are using this drive,
and make sure no window is displaying the contents of the drive. Then
try again

Any ideas please

After reading this thread, I would suggest that you get a bit of
knowledgeable
help.
a) CMOS needs to be reset and reconfigured.
b) You need all the hardware drivers.
c) Zeros should be written to the harddrive. (HDD mfg util)

 

[pinny]

Ok Frank

What is wrong with the advice that i have been given?

I haven't taken the battery off the motherboard yet, I am going to d
othat tomorrow when I am fresh to start again.

Why is your advice the advice I should follow?

Could you explain indetail your solution as I am not expert enough to
understand what you are suggesting.