Member Avatar for dodgybill

i have a hp compaq nc6000 running on xp pro. keep coming up with error message c000021a fatal system error so cant access windows. trying to access bios to boot from disc but coming up with admin password. tried removal of cmos battery cable but still asking for admin password. is there anyway to bypass the password or boot from disc without accessing the bios first ?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by leo002000

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This looks like a BIOS/supervisor password issue (prompt shown before Windows boots) rather than a Windows account password. described being blocked when trying to get into BIOS, so treat the two problems separately: a BIOS lock prevents boot-order changes; a Windows login problem appears after the OS starts.

A few replies here suggested clearing CMOS/jumpers (, ). On many HP/Compaq laptops the supervisor password is stored in firmware/NVRAM and is not reliably cleared by battery removal or simple jumper tricks. The most reliable, safe path is service through HP or an authorized repair center — they can reset the supervisor password after proof of ownership (some repairs require system-board work or a security reset that end users cannot perform).

If the immediate goal is data rescue or fixing the STOP c000021a, a practical route is to remove the hard drive and attach it to another PC (SATA-to-USB adapter or dock) to copy important files and run offline repairs. Once you can boot recovery media (or have the drive on another machine), common Recovery Console steps for XP are:

chkdsk /r
fixboot c:
fixmbr
copy x:\i386\winlogon.exe c:\windows\system32\winlogon.exe

(replace x: with your CD/DVD drive letter). c000021a usually means a critical system process (Winlogon or CSRSS) failed; replacing corrupted system files, running chkdsk, or doing a repair install often fixes it. If instead the prompt you see is a Windows login screen, Windows-password tools (Offline NT Password & Registry Editor, Hiren's BootCD, etc.) can reset accounts — those do not affect BIOS/supervisor locks, however (see on the distinction).

Do not rely on random "master password" generators or shady online tools for BIOS unlocks; they are unreliable and can brick the machine or be scams. If ownership can be proven, contact HP support or a reputable technician for a safe reset.

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Member Avatar for leo002000

Have you physically removed the battery from the motherboard and left it out for at least 5 mins?

Member Avatar for khakilang

Are you talking about Window's Admin password or the motherboard's password. If its the motherboard password, by removing the jumper and the battery should remove the motherboard password and back to its factory default setting. But if it is a Window's Admin password than I am sorry I can't help you. Maybe someone else will.

Member Avatar for efmesch

Try to get hold of the motherboard's instruction manual--there should be a jumper that you can remove to erase the memory. The manual should provide a picture that will guide you to the correct jumper.

Member Avatar for leo002000

If windows admin password there are loads of pieces of freeware that will do it.. (google it)

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