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Ctrl+Alt+Delete in Windows 2000 Pro

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5 replies

by mmcdade

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I've been using Windows 2000 Professional for several months now, with Ctrl+Alt+Delete enabled in order to log in. Two days ago, when prompted to hit Ctrl+Alt+Delete, it didn't work. It hasn't worked since. I tried it with/without "NumLock" on, but still no go. The system just doesn't respond to Ctrl+Alt+Delete anymore. I haven't changed any keyboard settings, nor have I installed any new software - Ctrl+Alt+Delete just suddenly stopped responding for some reason.

Any clues on how to troubleshoot this? Obviously, if I can't log in, I'll have to reformat the HD, which I don't even know how to do in Windows 2000 Pro with the NTFS file system!

Any help is GREATLY appreciated!!

5 replies

by donq

Do you mean Office 2000 Professional? If so did you change Workgroups and if you did return to the one containing the Office 2000 security definitions and restart your computer before logging in.

by vinnyd

If Ctrl+Alt+Del no longer works, it is more likely that you keyboard keys are not working.

Most keyboards today have 2 Ctrl, 2 Alt, and 2 DEL keys. Try the other set and see if they work.

Another test is to use a DOS or Windows boot disk (startup disk). Then at the Command Prompt press Crtl+Alt+Del and see if the computer will re-boot like it should.

If that fails, you need to test your keyboard on another computer to see if the keys work!

I would bet on a keyboard problem.

by mmcdade

Yep, you are exactly right. You can mark this one up to just plain stupiditiy. I got home last night and - duh - it suddenly struck me: gee, just MAYBE the keyboard itself is the problem, instead of some mysterious and complex Windows 2000 issue. SoI switched keyboards, and that resolved the problem - Ctrl+Alt+Delete worked fine after that.

Thanks for the input; you get all the Tech points for this absurd question. Always remember: Keep It Simple Stupid!

Thanks for the quick response. Later!

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