Stuck at Windows Security screen, Can't log in

[sigsky]

Vista Home Premium, fully updated.

I recently restored my laptop's system to "store bought" condition using the disks that were provided with it. I have loaded and updated all the software and Windows updates available. When I first started the computer, I was asked for a user name and I chose John and left the password blank. Since then the computer has been called John-PC and when it boots it shows a screen with a button and an indication that it is "locked". But anyone can click on that button and get right to my desktop with administrator's rights.

I'd like the computer to boot straight to the desktop like my desktop computer does (Also Vista Home Premium) without the "locked" screen. My wife and I are the only ones that use it. I searched the internet for instructions on how to do this but didn't find anything that worked. I was experimenting with User Accounts and I suspect I deleted John.

Now the computer boots to a screen with a red circle and superimposed white X that says "Windows Security". Below that it says "Please enter a user name and password" there is a button label OK. If I click on this button another screen appears with two buttons, the left is not labeled, the right is labeled "Other User". Either button brings up a menu to enter user name and password but I can't get it to accept anything. Leaving them blank doesn't work, and entering John and blank password doesn't work.

Can I do something other than repeating the "store bought" solution?

Thanks (I feel so stupid)

 

[kesume]

Hi welcome to the forum.
The information contained in the link may be of assistance to you,but i presume you cannot get into 'Command Prompt?

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/67567-administrator-account.html

 

[kesume]

What are you able to access?
Could you:-
How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

 

[sigsky]

Some progress...

I was able to boot to the command prompt in Safe mode. Apparently I was already at the elevated command prompt so I went ahead and performed step 2 in the first link that kesume providedand it was apparently successful. Instructions say go to step 7 but since I am still at the command prompt, I have no picture icon.

So I typed exit which sent me to a black screen with safe mode in the corners. Couldn't do anything so I gave the 3 finger salute and got a menu where I was able to restart.

Computer restarted and booted to the welcome center which I know how to avoid and gave me the warning about User Account Control being off which I know how to silence. So now I am booting directly to my desktop which is what I wanted to begin with. It has icons I don't want and is missing some that I do want but all the programs seem to be on the computer so I'm sure I can restore the desktop to the way I want it.

So exactly what did I do? Am I OK where I am?

Thanks for your help.

 

[kesume]

Hi sigsky,
Well we appear to be successful at this stage.
However, you are doing the right thing & doing thing's slowly & methodically to help return/restore the desktop to its prior state.
With your restore, having to upload everything again, it is likely that there was some software conflict/s.
By performing the 'clean boot' it helps eliminate software conflicts.
You may, loose a little of the previous functions, but can be re-introduced SLOWLY, as you never know it may be one of those that caused the conflict.
Happy your ok, any more questions, please ask.
Once settled, I would perform a full scan with your AV, also full scan with malwarebytes, to make sure no virus got in.
Malwarebytes freeware

 

[sigsky]

Well, this is a bit more bother than I thought originally. Although all my software is still there, it appears I have lost all of my settings and things like bookmarks, email settings, address book, and preferences for most programs.

Fortunately most of this is backed up/available from my desktop so I don't think I'll lose anything but at least I have full functionality.

My network configuration still identifies my laptop as John-PC, but John is no longer a subfolder of Desktop in Windows Explorer like it was before, instead the subfolder is now called Administrator and all its folders are empty. The good news is I kept virtually no documents on my laptop which weren't also in the shared area of my desktop.

Live and learn I guess although I could easily do this again. I love to experiment and that's how you learn.

 

[kesume]

I think, as I mentioned above, the restore with all software/updates, drivers, etc., can get mixed a little when downloading in volume. Booting tries to sort all that lot out into some sort of acceptable order.
Some things in such cases get lost, but they are not important & easily replaced.
I too love to experiment, but I do like the odds on my side!LoL!
Enjoy your computer.