Locked out of System

[jermsalerms]

My laptop has been part of a domain for the past year. The other day when I changed

employers I disconnected from the domain and changed the system settings to reflect

that I am part of a workgroup now.

When I clicked apply the system asked for a reboot. When the splash screen came back

on it now asks for a username and password to log in. I never set one up. I can only

imagine that I may have had a password on it prior to becoming a member of the domain

over a year ago. I have tried every combination of usernames and passwords that I

can imagine, but none work.

I have also tried to do a system recovery with the windows cd and there it also asks

for the administrator's password.

I have tried to assess the system via command mode to get to a dos prompt and the

system will not let me.

How can I get into this system. I need to get my files that are saved in there as

I have not backed them up.

[trackrat]

I have tried to do a system recovery with the windows cd and there it also asks for the administrator`s password.

Have you tried just pressing the enter button when it asks you for the administrators password.

[homecomputeraid]

Another option, if you're unable to get in using trackrat's tips is to put the laptop hard drive into a desktop. You'll have to buy a 2.5" to 3.5" Hard Drive Adapter. You'll want to make sure the PC you put the hard drive into is running Windows XP. Also, make sure you put it in as a secondary hard drive.

It's been my experience that it takes a little trial and error as far as where you plug the laptop hard drive in, and what jumper settings you use. Once you have it right, you'll be able to copy the needed files, then do a clean build of your hard drive if you want. You can then copy the data back over to the laptop using a network.