CTRL ALT DEL doesn't work, so can't log on

[Corkeg]

We have a laptop that we can't log on to as CTRL ALT DEL doesn't work when you get to the log on screen at boot up on Win XP Pro.

My first thought is that one of the 3 keys on the keyboard might be broken, but can't check this as we don't have any USB keyboards in the office.

However, the keyboard does work insofar as we can go into safe mode and select options.

The next thought is that we might have a virus.

Can anyone suggest a way of bypassing CTRL ALT DEL at log on so we can get inside the machine?

Or what other options do we have to be able to log on?

Thanks.

 

[bcastner]

In Safe Mode:

Start, Run, control userpasswords2

Uncheck the first box: Users must enter a password.....

 

[Corkeg]

Thanks for the quick response bcastner.

The problem is we can't log on to safe mode either. It requires CRTL ALT DEL as well.

 

[bcastner]

You fooled me: "However, the keyboard does work insofar as we can go into safe mode and select options."

. Last Known Good?

. Did you try all CTRL, and ALT keys on the keyboard?

. Try tightening all case screws on the bottom of the keyboard. Test again.

If it is a registry issue, you can restore the registry by booting to Recovery Console. See:

http://www.digitalwebcast.com/2002/03_mar/tutorials/cw_boot_toot.htm

 

[Corkeg]

I've now found out a little more about the machine, as i'm actualy on the phone to the person who has the laptop.

The right hand CTRL key works and now you can get to the log on screen.

However, the letter T and selected other keys, don't work and as his password includes the letter T and 'administrator' includes T, we can't log on.

Number lock isn't on on the laptop keyboard.

Would you say this sounds like a virus?

 

[Corkeg]

Oh, and last know good requires you to log on as well

 

[bcastner]

No, it sounds like you need a new keyboard.

If this is a Dell, remove all the screws marked with "K" on the bottom of the case. Pull the keyboard, and gently open the connector to the motherboard. Use contact cleaner on both cable end and motherboard connector. If you can gently use a pencil end or something mildly abrasive this helps. Reassemble.

A replacement keyboard is about US $18. Google 'dell notebook parts'

 

[Dollar]

Here's a thought: (if you're networked)

Can you remotely connect to the PC using a UNC? If you can, then you can probably edit that PC's registry...
Start Regedit on a working PC.
Select "File -> Connect Network Registry"
Enter the hostname of the PC with keyboard fault.
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\Winlogon
(just make sure that you are "below" the remote PC's name, otherwise the change is local)
The Key - LogonType is what you want to modify.
If it is set to 0 - it means it is in "Classic mode", change it to "1" and reboot.
On reboot, you should get the Welcome Screen, hopefully without a Ctrl+Alt+Del

If that fails, you could try an "Automatic logon" (using the remote registry option...) Check and change registry keys as below. Note that these changes are in plain text and therefore viewable.

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \Microsoft \Windows NT \CurrentVersion \Winlogon]
DefaultUserName = "MyUserName"
DefaultPassword = "MyPassword"
DefaultDomainName = "MyNetworkDomain or MyComputerName"
AutoAdminLogon = "1"

Hope this helps

 

[Corkeg]

Cheers for all your help.
If i try a USB keyboard, this should verify this i presume.

 

[Dollar]

Just caught up after posting...not networked then...

Maybe you can use the info somewhere else

 

[bcastner]

I would assume so as well.

One odd thing about keyboards with bad connections is that you tend to lose keys in groupings: If you trace a diagonal line from Letter T to your CTRL key on the left hand side, you likely will find any of the keys surrounding that line on either side are iffy.

 

[Corkeg]

Thanks again, much appreciated.

Hopefully i'll be able to sort this out tomorrow. It's 9pm now (in the UK) so probably about time to stop work!

 

[bcastner]

Does "iffy" translate between US and UK english?
Just wondering.

Seriously, this is not a virus, but a hardware issue with the keyboard. Usually a tightening of case screws will resolve the issue. If not, then usually cleaning the connectors between keyboard cable and motherboard resolve the issue. Finally, a do-it-yourself replacement of the keyboard if not under warranty is trivial and inexpensive.