XP won't boot\Admin password not accepted in console

[JP]

I recently did a memory upgrade from PC2700 DDR to PC3200 DDr CL2,
afterwards my PC did not boot. Got an error messege pertinent to a
hardware install being the culprit, even after I replaced the orig
memory. Later when I returned them, I found out one of the modules was
bad.

I tried the XP recovery console, but even with my Admini password, it
claimed wrong password. Inadvertently I installed windows onto the
same drive & letter "C" but defined it F. (Not by choice). So it comes
up as C:\>F:\Windows.

I thought maybe I'd be able to access my Documents through this new
install, but I was wrong. Access was denied. In either case, I am
stuck. All I want, is to gain access to all my photos and files, move
them or copy them to DVD, then reformat.

Incidently, I use the Windows 2000 Pro boot disks, to get into my XP
and overrode the passwaord issue, as I read in a website. All
instructions were correct Except, access is through a DOS like
inviorrment (instead of a graphical one) and I don't really know how to
find my file this way. Can anyone loan a helping hand.

John Polanco

 

[Cruisader]

Is this Home or Pro, it will make a difference in how the recovery is
done.

 

[Ricky]

Give this a try..
How to take ownership of a file or folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308421&Product=winxp
In XP Home you have to boot in safe mode to see the security tab. In XP Pro
you have to disable simple file sharing.

 

[thecreator]

Hi John,

If Windows XP is installed on NTFS File System, then you will not be
able to access the files thru MS-DOS. Is the Hard Drive partitioned? If
partitioned, install Windows XP on a different partition, allowing you to
boot into the computer and accessing your files and backing them up. Once
backed up, move all the files you want off the Hard Drive. Then wipe the
Hard Drive completely clean and create 3 partitions.

One partition, large one for your programs and operating system. One
partition for Backups and Documents. And a small partition for a second copy
of Windows XP, or another operating system like Windows Vista. This would
allow you access to Windows XP Documents, in event of a similar problem
reoccurring. Make sense?

If Hard Drive is large enough, then add another Hard Drive.