Password has expired - what password?

C. E. Conder · #1 06-11-2003, 01:38 PM

I've just encountered a problem with a Sony laptop running XP Pro. There is only one user. The computer used no passwords to start up. It just made it's way in the ordinary fashion to the desktop.

Recently a new message was displayed saying approximately 'your password has expired, type in your old password to renew'

For the lack of the (non-existent) password now it is not possible to start the computer up - at least in the usual manner.

What can I do? Can I/Should I re-install XP Pro?

Have you ever heard of this?

Thanks as always

C.E.C.

The Tool · #2 06-11-2003, 01:56 PM

Control Panel > User Accounts > Click your account > Remove my password.

Nonnie Miss · #3 06-11-2003, 02:39 PM

This is how I lost access to my computer. I tried to change the password and it didn't work and it didn't reset to the old one...it just locked me out.

augie2 · #4 06-11-2003, 03:41 PM

Maybe hit enter when password screen shows.

Grendel · #5 06-11-2003, 05:09 PM

Boot into Safe Mode/Administrator account and remove/change any passwords you want.

Tap F8 when you turn the computer on to get the advanced boot menu for the Safe Mode option.

The Tool · #6 06-11-2003, 05:28 PM

Grendel,

Welcome back after 4 months!

C. E. Conder · #7 06-12-2003, 09:12 PM

It might be a bit early to be so pleased but your advice (removing the password) seemed to work.

McAfee (yech) had seemingly intercepted a script which might or might not have been legitimate. How this translated to the requirement for renewing a non-existent password is a puzzle.

I had no choice but to delete the password on the single user account (who is also the Administrator) and right now I'm running a complete virus scan to see if something is lurking within.

Funnily enough late this afternoon I ran into an acquaintance of mine in a Supermart who said he was about to call me as his sons computer had developed a problem where it was asking him for a password as the earlier one had expired!

Two instances? Is there a virus causing this going the rounds?

Again, Thanks.

C.E.C.

ESALADUANE · #8 06-12-2003, 10:34 PM

"How to log on to Windows XP if you forget your password, or if your password expires and you cannot create a new one."

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;321305