Recovery Console Password Hotfix

[nklamb]

I cannot log onto the recovery console due to sysprep being run on my system. I have read Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 308402 about the hotfix for this problem, but in spite of installing the full XP service pack 1 CD, the problem remains.
I have extracted the xp service pack files to my hard drive, but cannot find the hotfixes as described in the Hotfix deployment guide in order to fix the problem.
Anyone know how to access the hotfix files on the xp sp1 cd?

 

[linney]

You might have to go the way of the following workaround mentioned in the Knowledge Base article.


Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - Q308402
Cannot Log On to Recovery Console After Running Sysprep in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/4/02.asp

"As a workaround, the following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center. These floppy disks are required only if the hotfix discussed in this article has not yet been applied, you cannot boot the computer, and you need to use the Recovery Console to make repairs.

Windows XP Home Edition:
Download WinXP_en_hom_bf.exe now
Windows XP Professional:
Download WinXP_en_pro_bf.exe now
Release Date: October 24, 2001"

 

[smah]

There is another way. If you have a user account with administrative priveleges, go to Start, Run, control userpasswords2, make sure Administrator is highlighted, then, Reset Password. Enter a new password or leave it blank.

Caution - you may lose any files or folders encrypted (EFS) with the Administrator account, so decrypt them first.

 

[uptime]

I'm having the same problem with a friends computer. It won't boot into XP and when I try to use the recovery console it won't accept the administrator password. Having researched it I am guessing Dell uses sysprep. Anyone know that for sure? I have read the MS KBA #308402 but don't understand where to get and how to apply the noted hotfix. There is no link later on as mentioned in the KBA. I downloaded the floppy boot installation, but that results in the same problem once you are prompted for the administrator password. Anyone have or know how to get the hotfix Microsoft eludes to. Being an OEM installation their support is non existent and Dell has their standard format and re-install suggestion.

Its frustrating to get this far and identify the problem but not be able to get the workaround. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RiderJon]

Uptime,

I have the same problem. Called DELL and they told to either contact MS for the hotfix or re-install XP.

Anyone had luck getting the hot-fix? What a nuisance!

RiderJon
"I might have created ctrl+alt+del,
But Bill made it famous" - Dr. Dave

 

[nklamb]

I never had any luck with all this hotfix bullshit, in the end i just did a re-format and reinstalled XP. This cleared the problem, and I was lucky to have the forsight to have used a seperate volume to store all my personal files (favourites, email store etc) if you havn't, you should back these up to CD of a seperate volume prior to doing the reinstall.

Regards

Nick Lamb