Run file with Administrator Password - produces error message

[Tom B]

I have instructions from a supplier to start an .exe file using "Run As" and
"The following user ... Administrator" I did this and entered the proper
administrator password.

This results in the error message "Unable to log on: Unknown user name or
bad password."

On this computer my regular account is an adminstrator account, and the
password works there. So I need help resolving the error message.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I have instructions from a supplier to start an .exe file using "Run As"
and
"The following user ... Administrator" I did this and entered the proper
administrator password.

This results in the error message "Unable to log on: Unknown user name or
bad password."

On this computer my regular account is an adminstrator account, and the
password works there. So I need help resolving the error message.

- Is this a WinXP Home or Professional installation?
- What happens when you log on as "Administrator"?

 

[Tom B]

see below

- Is this a WinXP Home or Professional installation?
Professional

- What happens when you log on as "Administrator"?

Since the logon screen shows only one icon, with my name, I use it. I am
the only person using this computer and there is only one account name. It
is marked as Administrator.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

see below




Since the logon screen shows only one icon, with my name, I use it. I am
the only person using this computer and there is only one account name.
It
is marked as Administrator.

In WinXP Professional, you can log on under any account. You simply press
Ctrl+Alt+Del twice, then enter "Administrator" (without the quotes) in the
logon box and the password in the box below. Does it work for you?

When you're back at your normal account I'd like you to perform a further
test:
- Click Start / Run / cmd{OK}
- Type this command:
runas /user:Administrator cmd{Enter}
(type the password when prompted)
Do you get a second command prompt?

 

[Jim]

I have instructions from a supplier to start an .exe file using "Run As"
and
"The following user ... Administrator" I did this and entered the proper
administrator password.

This results in the error message "Unable to log on: Unknown user name or
bad password."

On this computer my regular account is an adminstrator account, and the
password works there. So I need help resolving the error message.

I am confused here. Is your regular account named Administrator? Are you
using the built in administrator account, or have you created an account
called Administrator which is a member of the administrators group?

Are there any failed logon attempts in the event logs? If so, which user
name?

Jim

 

[Tom B]

see below

I am confused here. Is your regular account named Administrator?

No. It is a personal name.

Are you

using the built in administrator account, or have you created an account
called Administrator which is a member of the administrators group?

There is only one account on the system named Administrator. Then only one
account with my personal name. In other words no additional account was ever
created called Administrator.

Are there any failed logon attempts in the event logs? If so, which user
name?

Tell me how to access the event logs and I'll be able to answer. It's a new
Dell XP-Pro computer. Thanks.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

see below



No. It is a personal name.

Are you

There is only one account on the system named Administrator. Then only
one
account with my personal name. In other words no additional account was
ever
created called Administrator.


Tell me how to access the event logs and I'll be able to answer. It's a
new
Dell XP-Pro computer. Thanks.

There is an enormous amount of inbuilt "Help" in Windows for such questions.
Click Start / Help, then look for help on "Event". The last item in the list
should answer your question.

 

[Tom B]

In WinXP Professional, you can log on under any account. You simply press
Ctrl+Alt+Del twice,

Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del here on this Dell twice, or once, brings up the
Windows Task Manager. There is no option to enter "Administrator"



then enter "Administrator" (without the quotes) in the

logon box and the password in the box below. Does it work for you?
No



When you're back at your normal account I'd like you to perform a further
test:
- Click Start / Run / cmd{OK}
- Type this command:
runas /user:Administrator cmd{Enter}
(type the password when prompted)
Do you get a second command prompt?

No. Doing this produces a DOS window that flashes by so fast it is
impossible to read anything on it.

I went back and entered runas /user:Administrator
without the "cmd"

This produced a DOS window with the message - -
Enter the password for :

It didn't make any difference in the response whether I entered a correct
password or an incorrect password. In either case it continues to show the
desktop. It appeared to change nothing.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del here on this Dell twice, or once, brings up the
Windows Task Manager. There is no option to enter "Administrator"



then enter "Administrator" (without the quotes) in the


No. Doing this produces a DOS window that flashes by so fast it is
impossible to read anything on it.

I went back and entered runas /user:Administrator
without the "cmd"

This produced a DOS window with the message - -
Enter the password for :

It didn't make any difference in the response whether I entered a correct
password or an incorrect password. In either case it continues to show
the
desktop. It appeared to change nothing.

You need to press Ctrl+Alt+Del twice at the logon screen, instead of
clicking your logon account.