Program uninstall creates password dilemma

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Guest

Using Windows XP home, was cleaning up my laptop's desktop (2 years after I
first got it) that had all of the standard new software you get when you buy
from big box store (AOL, MSN, MS Money, etc., etc). After cleaning off the
desktop shortcuts I went to the control panel to add/remove programs. I did
an uninstall on AOL (which was never used) and one or two other programs (one
of which I think was a aftermarket disk cleaning tool). After rebooting, the
computer is now taking me to the standard Windows XP login screen and
requests a Windows XP password. I never had a password for this computer
(i.e. when logging in, the computer went straight to my desktop). There is
only 1 user setup (Owner, which is default). Not sure what to do. I've
tried logging in using safe mode through the administrator ID (password
blank), but get an error that says "the local policy of this system does not
permit you to logon interactively". If I could get to a command prompt, I
think I could try to run a system restore and get back to a previous restore
point. Have no reason to believe I have a virus or anything like that (just
updated windows the day before and am using updated virus protection
software). Would booting up from the original Windows CD offer any potential
avenues (am out of town and don't have CD with me though)? Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Do you have an account that is able to log in. If not you need ERD commander
to set the password of one of the available accounts. Once you have a account
that can log in you can tell xp to always log in with that account and
password
 
marinosa said:
Do you have an account that is able to log in. If not you need ERD
commander to set the password of one of the available accounts. Once you
have a account that can log in you can tell xp to always log in with that
account and password
Click to expand...

It's not necessary to have ERD Commander. I believe Winternals has an
emergency download, but it isn't free. You can easily change the
Administrator password (or any user account password but why not just do
the Admin?) for an NT-based operating system with the free NTpasswd. Takes
only a few minutes.

http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/

Malke
 
I can't log in at all. What is ERD commander?

marinosa said:
Do you have an account that is able to log in. If not you need ERD commander
to set the password of one of the available accounts. Once you have a account
that can log in you can tell xp to always log in with that account and
password
Click to expand...
 
Is this a simpler fix if I just wait and get a copy of my original Windows
CD? Is there a way to reinstall without loosing everything on my laptop's
hard drive?
 
ScottinMarietta said:
I can't log in at all. What is ERD commander?
Click to expand...
The program that Malke mentioned creates a bootable CD or a bootable floppy.
You must have another working computer to create these items, and you need
to enable booting of the dead computer from the CD in the BIOS.

Jim
 
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