lost screen saver password

[rwh]

I attempted to change my screen saver password, and I either entered the new password twice incorrectly (which I doubt because I entered it both times very carefully and had only changed it from my former password by adding a two digit number to it - and the new password was one I use frequently) or the computer ate it. I also shortened up the "Wait" setting (to 3 minutes, I think).

The first time the screen saver came on and I attempted to open up the active screen from Screen Saver mode, I got "The Windows password you typed is incorrect" and, of course, couldn't open the window. I about died because I was on the middle of putting together some office work that had to go the next morning.

I thought I'd locked myself out. I thought about it, killed the computer (laptop) by disengaging the battery, rebooted, and after Windows 98 opened, I got to the Active Desktop--Cusotmize My Desktop--Display Properties--Screen Saver pulldown and deactivated the "Password Protected" box and was able to use everything as normal....but now without the ability to use the Screen Saver password protection feature, since I can't get into it to change it.

I have checked to make sure I didn't have CAP LOCK on at the time by entering my "new password" with CAP LOCK on; I've tried various possible combinations where I might have hot the wrong key both times I entered the new password -- not likley, since I was very careful in entering them. Is it possible the computer blew it??

Where is the Screen Saver password stored? Can you get at it without going through the pull down menu's? How can I change it to a selected password?

I am still using the old password to gain Password access to opening up Windows, so I would think there's no issue there....

Thanks.

 

[reghakr]

From Axcel's216 web site:

Just fire up Regedit and go to:
HKEY_USERS\.Default\Control Panel\desktop

In the right hand pane look for the "ScreenSave_Data" String value.
Highlight it and hit the Delete key.
Exit the Registry Editor when done. Voila!
Of course, everybody who has been "playing" with personal computers for a while has learned the "easy way" around this: press and hold Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously, followed by/or Ctrl+Esc. This "classic" trick works with all Windows/WfWG 3.xx releases, WinNT 3.xx, Windows 95 retail and Win95a OSR1. Doesn't seem to work with Win95 B/C OSR 2.x, Win98, WinNT 4.0 or Win2000 though. Talk about "OS security"...
Screen savers are not necessary anymore for protecting your monitor from screen burn-in these days, because newer CRTs (Cathode Ray Tubes) are equiped with good quality phosphor and anti-static coating layers.
Use screen savers only as a primitive (easy to bypass) security shield, or if you just like looking at a "pretty" desktop when not using your computer.

reghakr