Find administrator password

[micker377]

I need to do a "R". I can't get past the "Type administrator password". I've tried "enter", "password", all my "usual" passwords. I don't have a W2K disc. Any way to find my password? I installed XP years ago - no way to remember it now!

 

[bcastner]

A little reading to find the workaround:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308402/EN-US/

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/312149/EN-US/

 

[micker377]

Thanks Bill, I found out how to change the password, and got in. I go through all the steps, and I get a c:\windows prompt. Now what? All the "help" listings just explain how to repair individual files. I want to do a complete non-distructive re-install. I have a slipstreamed disc.

 

[bcastner]

That requires an "R" but not the one you used to access Recovery Console:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;315341

 

[micker377]

O.K. All done! Thanks for all the help. I've done many Win 98 through the years, but I have so much on here, I was afraid to try. Soon as I get all my 3rd party drivers back in - I'll be ready to go.

 

[bcastner]

micker377:

. Be sure to spend a little time at Windows Update, as the reinstallation of XP will cause a loss of Hotfixes and service packs;

. You will of course immediately install some sort of backup software I assume.

Best wishes,
Bill

 

[micker377]

Already did all WUD. I use Acronis 9 weekly for backup. In fact, I did a complete b/u before doing this - just in case! Still having a "Error 501" when trying to change fonts with Outlook Express. I've been fighting this for a year, this re-install was to try to fix that. Oh well, maybe I.E 7 will fix it!

 

[bcastner]

About error 501:

The older workarounds still work -- either create a new Windows user, or use the Font Toolbar to change fonts.

While it makes no sense to me, clearing both HTTP 1.1 and the friendly URL error message boxes in Internet Options, Advanced, is supposed to fix this fairly rare OE problem:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=811262&sd=RMVP

After the problem goes away, you can re-enable the HTTP 1.1 setting.

 

[micker377]

I've tried everything but new user. Will try that when I get time. Thanks

 

[melonhawg]

Good call bcastner,
I've had to create a new user many times to "fix" the little things.

"Always remember that you are unique, just like everyone else.