Vista Basic - Can't log on

[calx]

I am trying to fix a Vista basic machine, with 2 users.
Suddenly the customer can not log on to either user. Password incorrect.. passwords have not been changed (and yes I have checked cap locks!!!)

Tried a couple password reset programmes.. they didn't work. One couldn't detect any users on the machine!!
If I go onto safe mode. There is no administrator listed and the accounts are still password protected.

I tried to do a factory reinstall (on a separate partition OEM) but to access that it wants the user name and password... and guess what.. it won't accept the password.

I do not have a vista basic disk. I do have a Vista Ultimate disk. Can I use that disk to get system recovery working on a vista basic machine?

Or alternatively can anyone help me figure out how the hell to get in!!!

Please help
thanks
Calx

 

[zigzag3143]

I am trying to fix a Vista basic machine, with 2 users.
Suddenly the customer can not log on to either user. Password incorrect.. passwords have not been changed (and yes I have checked cap locks!!!)

Tried a couple password reset programmes.. they didn't work. One couldn't detect any users on the machine!!
If I go onto safe mode. There is no administrator listed and the accounts are still password protected.

I tried to do a factory reinstall (on a separate partition OEM) but to access that it wants the user name and password... and guess what.. it won't accept the password.

I do not have a vista basic disk. I do have a Vista Ultimate disk. Can I use that disk to get system recovery working on a vista basic machine?

Or alternatively can anyone help me figure out how the hell to get in!!!

Please help
thanks
Calx

Calx

there are two separate paths. If there isn't any data on the computer you can boot from dvd and format and re-install.

If there is data needed can you safe boot with command promt. at the prompt you can activate the built in admin by typing net user administrator /active

that account shouldn't have a password attached. if it does you probably should start thinking about a virus.

ken

 

[Flavius]

If there is data needed can you safe boot with command promt. at the prompt you can activate the built in admin by typing net user administrator /active

If he didn't have build-in admin in safe mode probably he won't have it in "safe mode with command prompt" as well and to login to another account he have to type password as well.There are methods to enable build-in admin accounts What do I do: I can no longer log in or elevate to an administrator account