What's going on?

[Countrymans.com]

Hi all:

Today when I fired up my computer a screen appeared asking me to choose the user. It showed my name and then when I clicked it asked for a password. Ok I know this is the screen that appears if you set up an administrator password. But the problem is I did NOT set one up. Usually when I turn on my computer Windows XP Pro boots right up with no password needed. I got a feeling this is some type of virus I picked up that is trying to get me to enter my most common passwords with the intent of breaking in to some of my sensitive accounts like my Ameritrade account. So I contacted Ameritrade and changed all my passwords. BUT the problem is now how to get into Windows (and hence my computer). I tried using the Windows XP Pro reinstallation disk that came with my computer to boot up from that disk. After a long process it reached the final stage only to seize up my computer. In other words it didn't work and I tried it twice to be sure. Anyone have any ideas on how to get in to Windows bypassing the password or any other info on a virus or a way to get in? I am stymied. TIA

Hugh V. Conyac

Countrymans.com

PS Ironically the last thing I did last night was to run a full system scan using BitDefender. I had been having some trouble with Picasa (Google pic program) and thought it might be virus related. I found out tonight that it is a bug in Picasa and the Google team is trying to come up with a fix for it. I found this out on the Picasa forum. Anyways I also did a full service pac 3 test and it came out clean with no problems. So my computer is working fine I think. This is even stronger evidence that a virus may be at work. I contacted BitDefender this morning and asked them if they heard of this problem already. I am awaiting their response.

[Dencandy]

I've never heard of any malware that can alter a computer's configuration so that a password is required when previously one was not. I suggest you try one of the specialist security forums such as SECURITY-FORUMS and ask there. If you run an internet search you'll also find some others.

[Countrymans.com]

I've never heard of any malware that can alter a computer's configuration so that a password is required when previously one was not. I suggest you try one of the specialist security forums such as SECURITY-FORUMS and ask there. If you run an internet search you'll also find some others.

I talked with a local expert and he recommended a disk which allows you to reset your password when you forgot your password for Windows user account. It costs 30 bucks and I have already ordered the CD version. Once I gain access again I can then remove the password that was implanted. I then will run some suggested anti-malware programs to hopefully get rid of the virus. Hope this takes care of the problem.

[-pops-]

From the Forum Guidelines:

27) Windows Forum cannot and will not permit any post, topic or link on how to reset the Administrator password on any computer system. Whilst such a request may be perfectly legitimate there are times when discussions on this topic can be used for an illegitimate reason. Windows Forum does not have the ability to determine the validity of any request and therefore we cannot allow such discussion on this topic.