In the last few days, I was getting error messages about windows not being able to find SSTQO.EXE when booting up. I went into the registry and removed all references to this file.

(When I did a Google search, I got no information that suggested that this was a file that was required).

Today when I loaded up my PC (Windows XP), the windows desktop didn't load automatically and I was asked to log into my user account (except I have never set a password up). I have tried going into safe mode but the administrator account is also password protected.

I bought the PC second-hand so I have no idea what the administrator password is.

Any ideas on how I can log on to my PC?

Foxy,

Did you just flag the file as deleted or did you then delete the contents of the delete bucket.

My first suggestion would be to press "F8" as you power up the PC. This should take you to the System Start Up Menu.

If you can get to this screen, select the "Safe Mode" entry and see if it let's you bring up Safe Mode without asking for a password. If it does, go in under "Accessories">>System Tools>> System Restore and select a date prior to your screwing with the registry.

Restore the system and let the PC re-start and see if you can re-boot back to a clean start.

LESSON Plan #1 - Do Not Mess With The Registry, If You Do Not Know What you Are Doing. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by donf

Foxy,

Did you just flag the file as deleted or did you then delete the contents of the delete bucket.

My first suggestion would be to press "F8" as you power up the PC. This should take you to the System Start Up Menu.

If you can get to this screen, select the "Safe Mode" entry and see if it let's you bring up Safe Mode without asking for a password. If it does, go in under "Accessories">>System Tools>> System Restore and select a date prior to your screwing with the registry.

Restore the system and let the PC re-start and see if you can re-boot back to a clean start.

LESSON Plan #1 - Do Not Mess With The Registry, If You Do Not Know What you Are Doing. :)

---

I did a search for the missing file in the registry editor, right clicked the reference and deleted it. I've tried safe mode and it brings up the same log-in screen with both my user name and the administrator log in (both of which are password protected). I've not worked out how to bring up the windows desktop yet.

I will take heed of your lesson in future.

Here is a program you can run that should be able to reset your login password

Offline NT Password & Registry Editor