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Admin user no longer on XP welcome screen

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14 replies

by bcarroll7

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I have looked at other posts on this, but I am stuck. I tried to install Marimba on my PC yesterday, and it failed. Apparently in the process, it created a new Admin account on my PC, HDS Admin. My regular user account (called Admin, I think) is now gone from the Welcome screen.

Here is what I have tried:
- I reset the password for HDS Admin to be blank and can get in, but it appears to be configuring that user. Useless - I need my old user (and folders/files!) (FYI, I did the password reset via a Windows Offline Registry Editor suggested by TechRepublic.)

- I hit CTRL-ALT-DEL twice to access the screen where I can type in the user name and password. I have typed in ADMIN, Admin, admin - along with my password - all to no avail. It tells me it can't log me on.

Any ideas how to get into the account?

Thanks for any and all suggestions. :)

14 replies

by 1bn0

start | run
compmgmt.msc

System Tools

Local Users and Groups
Users

If the account is not there it is gone. It may be there but disabled. Disabled accounts don't appear on the Welcome screen.

by bcarroll7

Thanks for your quick response! However, I can't get to Start. The HDS Admin account never gets me to a desktop; it sits there trying to "setting up personalized settings for Internet Explorer" on some Toshiba welcome screen.

Any suggestions on how to get there?

Thanks for any ideas; I am really bummed out here. :(

by bcarroll7

I was able to get to ComputerManagement by hitting CTRL-ALT-DEL and opening it via Task Manager. However, there isn't an option for users under System Tools. The only options are Event Viewer, Shared Folders, Performance Logs and Alerts, and Device Manager.

This account seems to be one that was created just to do program/system set-up by the Marimba program (or IT help desk). There is not any kind of task bar; only a blank background (with PC manufacturer wallpaper).

As for the administrator account, I understand that is the default admin account. How do I log into it?

Thanks!

by 1bn0

Try administrator.

Every windows machine has an administrator account.

On XPHome this account is ONLY available in Safe Mode.

Try administrator in safe mode any way.

by bcarroll7

Thank you for your response. I realize the default is administrator (I had just set up my own account as Admin - my kids have access to my PC, and I wanted to protect it from them!). I just don't know how to get into that account. Plus, once I get in, I am not sure what to do in order to re-enable or re-access my other account.

Thanks,

Becky

by 1bn0

Boot to safe mode.

Then login as administrator. It should appear on the welcome screen for XPHome Safe Mode.

by bcarroll7

Thanks - I added my reply into Kenone's post. I have XP Media Center as my PC. Safe mode sounds like a good plan. HOw do I get to it, and how do I determine the password? Please see my reply for the other questions (like how do I find my previous account and access it).

Thank you for all of your help (both you and Kenone)!!! I don't feel so alone in this...

by 1bn0

A menu will appear. Use the cursor keys to select safe mode.

by bcarroll7

I will give it a try! Back later; need to get some other work done now.

by i_s

Dear,

No need to try with windows, registries, passwords..etc
You need your folders and files, Right ?
Ok, disconnect your hard disk, and connect it on another computer as slave hard disk.
Then you will see your partitions without any problems.
Copy your files.
Then reconnect ur hard disk and format it.
It's easy ;)

by bcarroll7

I appreciate everyone's help and advice. I don't have any way to connect this to another computer, so I am taking it into a shop today.

Thank you all so much for all of your help!

by bcarroll7

Just to loop back - I took the laptop to a local computer repair shop, and they did a system restore. All is well now.

Thanks for all your help!

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