If I was to purchase a pc and got the same problem, i'd probably just reformat the whole thing and start with a fresh install of my own choice of OS. that's only if it was me...

Thanks, but keep in mind I'm new at this. So how do I install a new os if I'm locked out the the computer. All I keep getting is a message about contacting administrator, not having administrator rights, or in the administrator group.:cry:

There are a number of ways to get around this. One is to boot fropm a live Linux CD like Knoppix. There are boot floppies that do the same thing. Can't remember where I saw them; I'll look and report back.

Also remember: "Google is your friend."

I think I'd have to agree on this, just reformat. It's probably the quickest and easiest way to get the system usable again. Find a copy of WinXP (or any OS of your choice) and boot from CD. There really shouldn't be any problems with doing that.

Quick question: Do you have a 'restore' disk or a disk that looks like it may be an OS disk (i.e. WinXP, Win2000, or Win98?)

You can also find some software on the internet, that can crack the passwords that you need to use in your machine as an administrator or as a user, without having to do a fresh install in your new computer. As suggested above, you can run Knoppix Linux (if you can boot from CDROM disk) and use such a cracker program. If your computer was setup to be run remotely, you could possibly try to break the passwords remotely, from another computer. If you can get into the Bios of your machine, that would simplify everything. You should be able to disable passwords that way. Unfortunately, a laptop is not as easy as a desktop machine, to reset the passwords. Most desktops have a jumper on the mother board. Removing this jumper clears the bootup passwords. Or on some, you can remove the CMOS battery for awhile, and it would clear the CMOS memory. If any of my suggestions, don't work, the only alternative you have is to do a fresh install of the operating system.

Good Luck!

ONEderer

What you can do is boot in safe mode and create a new account and give your self administartor rights and then boot back on normal mode.
To boot in SAFE mode just tab on F8 key right after you turn your Pc and choose SAFE mode on the menu advanced menu..

Tell you what...I have software that can crack the admin password. It's called NTPassword and it allows you to crack any system NT 4.0 or higher. I'll send it to you if you email me with your email. It will prevent a reformat

Thanks, but I'm stuck. I booted in Safe but I still have the welcome to windows pop up, ctrl alt dlte command, private newtwork popup and the user name/password screen. i tried a cold boot with a xp home version disk, but it says I don't only an administrator can add or change settings

ok, I'll send it my way! tryit456@sbcglobal.net. Thanks