I done a bad thing... I was tired on the Windows Logon asking for a password every time

[Stardust]

I started up my computer and I think I may have screwed up something because when it boots up,the Logon screen comes up just like it always did with the previous owner's name but when I hit enter (like I always did, as there was no password necessary) instead of going into Windows I get this: Logon Message! The system could not log you on. Make sure your User name and domain are correct, then type your password again. Letters in passwords must be typed using the correct case.

It's a Dell Dimension 3400 running Windows XP Professional.

Thanks in advance.

[canetoad]

1. Can you describe the bad thing?

Did you try to change user names or passwords?

Can you get past the log on screen at all?

When the box comes up, try typing Administrator with no password and see if that gets you in.

[Stardust]

2. I was afraid you'd ask that...

Unfortunately, I don't really recall. I think I went somewhere and may have changed the User name.(The computer was a gift but I kinda wanted my name to show up if it was something I had to see all the time. Silly. But when I type in what I think I would have changed it to, it still doesn't work. Maybe I'll just keep trying different variations.

I tried logging in as " Administrator " but it didn't work. Thank you for the tip, though. You were very sweet to respond. Am I the only person who's locked themselves out of Windows???? I went on the net and someone recommended a very complicated solution going into the registry, etc. That's waaaaaaaaaaaaay above my level. Maybe I'll indulge in a futile inquiry to Microsoft. It would be worth the fee if I didn't have to lug this dinosaur to the repair shop.

Thanks again, Canetoad. :smoke:

[canetoad]

3. Know what I think?

You may not have changed the user name at all. Try logging in again using the original login; the last owner's name and pw, which was apparently blank.

Apologies if you've already tried this. You didn't say if you could access the computer or not. Can you?

[Stardust]

4. Sorry, Canetoad...I replied quite a bit ago that I got in, but for some

reason, the message never made it. (Probably ended up as an OP in GD :eyes: )

A stray brain cell kicked in and I remembered my "new" password. I know better and removed the stupid thing. I still can't figure out why the Windows Logon defaults to the former owner's name but will accept mine when I type it in. Or why Vista doesn't have that Logon nonsense...

Oh well, mine is not to reason why. Thank you for all your help. You're my hero -- I missed the heart deadline, but I'd send lots to you if I could.

:smoke:

[canetoad]

5. Au contraire. You must 'reason why'

If you can log into the computer using the previous owner's credentials, you must now go to control panel, User Accounts and create a new account in YOUR NAME.

Make it an Administrator account.

When you've done this, report back for next step. Be strong, we'll sort this. :rofl: