Forgot password. System halted?

Question

When I turn on my PC, normally I needed to put a system password (?) but my sister was using it, she forgot the pwd and tried to guess it 3 times. The system now has halted and we can't even get to the desktop.

Is there a way to retrieve the password or reset to none?
Would I need to reinstall Windows 2000 again? My PC is 5 years old but was working great up until now...
I don't mind losing the infos on the PC as long I can use the PC again.

Thanks for the help.

I've tried putting the Windows 2000 CD to attempt to reformat everything but nothing happens.

Answer 1

Try rebooting, when your system starts going through its diagnostics scans tap the F8 key until you get a start up menu. One of the chooses would be Safe Mode, select it. This may allow you to bypass entering in the password. Once in you can go to user accounts and disable the password, reboot in normal mode and you shouldn't be asked for a password. This works on XP but I'm not sure on Windows 2000. Worth a try still.

Answer 2

You're going to have to access "Safe Mode". I find the fastest (though not the best) way to do this is to wait for your system to load to the windows screen with the moving bar at the bottom. Before windows starts, immediately disable power and replug it. Wait for it to restart. You should then encounter a screen that tells you to choose which Windows mode you want to access. Choose safe mode and if you're lucky, there will be no password for administrator. Then, remove the password and set a new user if you want.

Answer 3

try reformatting the pc, this means using the cd provided with ur machine. This will erase the information and all programs and make the pc like new

Answer 4

no you will not need to reinstall everything! you just need to wait about 24 to 48 hours till it resets it self!

Answer 5

reset the system to how it was wen u bought it