Major Problem: Locked out of my computer

[Charles L. Cotton]

I brought my office computer home and I wanted to set it up on the home network. I inadvertently changed the workgroup and when it rebooted for another reason (software update), it apparently changed the userid and password. I tried to launch it in safe mode to try to use a restore point, but I can't select anything but "normal windows startup." I'm using a wireless keyboard and mouse that may be the reason neither the arrow keys or mouse are working at that stage of boot up. (I don't have the original USB keyboard; it's at the office.)

This is a major problem because I need in this machine tomorrow. Does anyone know why I can hack into it?

Thanks,
Chas.

[pbwalker]

I'm assuming Windows. You can burn a boot disk with the tools to reset your password. I used to use an old DOS disk, but can't remember the name of the actual executable, but found this:

http://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/bootdisk.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Let me know if you need any assistance on using it. I can walk you through over ICQ if needed.

[jordanmills]

You're going to need a physical keyboard if you want to use safe mode. But I can almost guarantee that if you use username administrator with a blank password after booting into safe mode, it will get you on.

How early do you need it? I'm right down the road.

[BrianSW99]

If you're on a Windows Active Directory domain at work, then changing the workgroup would have removed it from the domain, which means your domain computer account is no longer usable on that computer until you can re-join it to the domain. The only way of getting back into it at that point will be to use a local account, such as Administrator.

Brian

[Charles L. Cotton]

Thanks for the quick input folks! I was able to borrow a USB keyboard to get into safe mode. From there I was able to restore to yesterday's set point and that fixed.

Thanks again, I was sweating blood over this.

Chas.

[jmra]

Computers, our best friend and our greatest enemy. Glad everything worked out.

[gigag04]

Mac > PC

[PBratton]

Backups, Backups, Backups ...