Windows·65,577 discussions

Locked out

Locked

I have a computer I bought from a corporate upgrade. It is running Win95 and it was networked, so there is a password set. How can I get past this so I have a usuable computer? Here is what I have tried. I booted up to a command prompt and went intothe windows directory and deleted the pwl files that where created when the password was set, that did not work. Also I tried f8 safe mode, the problem is what do I do when I am in safe mode.995

Topic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

Why not just reinstall Win95, or even better, Win98? Do an FDISK, reformat it and start from scratch. After all, it’s the computer you want, not the data on it.

clover

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

As well as agreeing totally with the first answer (it should get rid of any detritus anyway) after you had deleted the PWL files & rebooted, did it remain at the login box? You should have been able to put in any name & password to get through.
Ifthis didn’t work (and you STILL don’t want to reinstall from scratch) remove the network card (you don’t say you are going to use this) and then in safe mode, remove all networking components in Control Panel, Networks. Then reboot.
Personally, I would say to hell with it & Fdisk.
HTH
Roger G

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question is not too clear, if you’re logging in through safe mode, just check the network properties to see what services are installed. You probably have Client for netware networks or MSNetworks installed. The previous user may have also set apassword in the system BIOS, if this doesn’t work, screw it, reinstall.

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

There is a registry key that you need to change.

When in safe mode, load regedit.exe (If regedit is restricted, please e-mail me)
Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Network \ Logon

You will find a key called ‘MustBeValidated’
Change the value from1 to 0

This will fix the problem!!!

Cheers,

Rob

(robin@innocent.com)

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

In addition to deleteing c:\windows\*.pwl, you must delete the entries from the System.ini file. Go to “Start”, “Run”, type in sysedit, hit “Enter”. Go to the “System.ini” page. Delete all entries under [Password lists].

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

Sounds like it was setup for a NT logon. Boot it into safe mode. Go into the network applet into the control panel. Go into Client for Microsoft Networks and uncheck the log onto windows NT domain. You may also have to change the userlevel shareaccess.

If also else fails just change the windows login from Client to windows login on the initial screen

Mark

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

Hi there. I assume the password you are referring to is NOT the c-mos password in the bios of your pc because you were able to get to the windows directory to delete the *.pwl files. The pwl files are the password files stored locally in the pc. Deleting them should remove any existing passwords. It does not stop your being prompted for passwords. This comes from you client setup in network neighborhood. In any case if the password is windows in origin then just cancel throght it. This “Network” password is for access the the network not windows desktop. If the client is microsoft ot netware this is the case. For windows client
you have the option of setting up profiles. But the desktop is still accessable via the “cancel” option the theprompt. To get rid of the network stuff if you aren’t using it then delete the network card from device manager or from network neighborhood. Usually if it is a network prompt it will not show up unless it sees a network. Good luck.

Bo

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

Nice… Answer #6 is it, as I posted to your *identical* query over at MCSE Live! (http://www.2000tutor.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi)

I wouldn’t mind the points if mine was first.

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

I agree with #6. I would probably fdsik as a last ditch effort.

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

When the login screen comes up hit the Esc key then remove client software and reboot, that’s if the OS even loads.

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

There are two methods,which i have done past four months ago and i have now some idea of it.First go to my computer>control panel>network>remove microsoft family logon/Client for microsoft networks
but be sure that you dont have any network
and
your isp would work in absence of these components
2.search profile directory and take a backup of this directory or copy it into my documents and restart your computer and if you didnt see password prompt you wont get the problem again

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

The question was auto-closed by TechRepublic

Locked out

In reply to Locked out

This question was auto closed due to inactivity

[Author]

Replies