kboone said:
trying to install windows xp on HP desktop all was going well and them
boom
this error message comes up I can however hit f1 and this come up but to
get
beyond that point i need to put in the admin password. I dont know what
it is. can anyone please help me
Be more precise. How exactly are you installing Windows? On an HP desktop,
you should be using HP's Recovery Discs. On a used computer, you should be
doing a full destructive factory restore. You will not be asked for any
passwords doing that.
If your grandfather didn't save/make the Recovery Discs, call up HP and
order them. It is inexpensive, $20-30. If HP doesn't have Recovery Discs for
that model machine, you will need to use a generic OEM install disc that
matches the version on the Product Key (Home, Pro, Media Center). Or you
will need to purchase a full retail copy of whatever version of XP you want.
If you don't use HP's Recovery Discs (not recommended), make sure you have
all the drivers downloaded from HP's website first.
If you simply want to get into the system then you don't need to be messing
about with installing Windows. Just change the password with NTpasswd to a
blank. Download the bootable CD .iso, burn with third-party burning software
such as Roxio, Nero, or the free ImgBurn. Burn as an image, not as data.
Boot with the media you created. You may need to change the boot order in
the BIOS or get a temporary boot order menu with a special keypress.
NTpasswd will run. Follow the instructions carefully.
http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/
But if you are planning to use Grandpa's computer for yourself, do the
restore to factory condition as discussed above. A used computer, no matter
what its provenance, should always be wiped clean for a fresh start.
Malke