Laptop wont boot and cant retrieve files due to password

[grimsqueaker]

Last night after stupidly downloading monty python on limewire (it turned out to be a corrupt nasty thing) i got blue screen of death, laptop wont boot etc

so i thought ok use my sata connection thingy and save all my music and pics to another laptop then transfer them back after a complete reinstall,

slight problem i cant access my folders due to my password, how the hell do i get my files now, any ideas?

i really dont wanna lose all my music ( 6000 plus tracks )

[Roger]

1. Is this XP we're talking about?
2. What happens when you try to boot?
3. Try booting in safe mode. Restart your computer and as soon as it starts booting up again continuously tap F8. A menu should come up where you will be given the option to enter Safe Mode.

You probably have all sorts of infections from that download.

[grimsqueaker]

yep its xp, wont even boot in safe mode when i turn it on i get

STOP: 0xC0000221 unknown hard error
C:\Winnt\System32\Ntdll.dll (or another specific file or driver)

i tried to repair using the xp disc but im not entirely sure what commands to input, i tried to create a boot disc as advised by a computer forum but wasnt able to due to only having cd/dvd drive and not a floppy,

i have also tried to change security preferences in properties options on disc C and E but there isnt the option of security, so im not able to go into the files that way

[Roger]

Repairing Microsoft Windows XP™ Bootsector using Recovery Console

Disclaimer. ITX Associates accepts no responsibility should you choose to utilize the information given in this document.

Scope
Microsoft Windows XP, SP1, SP2, SP3

Instructions
Insert your Microsoft Windows XP™ CD into your CD drive and power on your machine. It should boot to CD, if not you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS.




Enter "R" to select the repair option




Enter the number of the partition you would like to repair. Normally there will only be one, Drive C:, in this case press "1". Use the numbers on the main keyboard not the numeric keypad.




Enter the administrator password (usually just the enter key)




If it's successful, you will be attached to the partition




Now type "FIXBOOT" (enter)






Finally enter "Y", to confirm the operation.

Recovery console will install a new boot partition. Follow any instructions on screen.

Do not power off or reboot unless instructed.
When completed, reboot the system.

It is vitally important that you now install windows updates. If you are unsure how to do this, refer to ITX-XPUPDATES2-V3.01

[Rubianroaddog]

Good call Roger.
But first I would yank the hard drive and get any files off it that I don't want to lose. I have a device that takes almost any sort of hard drive and connects to usb port, very useful on these occasions.

Plexus USB to IDE & SATA Adapter With Power Adapter (Supports 2.5" / 3.5" IDE & Serial ATA Hard Disk) - Ebuyer

Cheers
Mick

[Roger]

The files are in his "My Documents", you won't be able to pull them off if it's passworded

[grimsqueaker]

cheers Roger but fixboot didnt work, i have managed to get around it using that gizmo that mick mentioned and going into safe mode as administrator and owning the security of both discs,

this enabled me to get to all my music, pics and vital documents.
and i am now in the process of reinstalling everything and backing up them files oh and not reinstalling limewire on my main laptop

[Dodzi]

Start using bit torrent mate - don't know why anyone bothers with limewire!

[Roger]

Originally Posted by grimsqueaker

cheers Roger but fixboot didnt work, i have managed to get around it using that gizmo that mick mentioned and going into safe mode as administrator and owning the security of both discs,

this enabled me to get to all my music, pics and vital documents.
and i am now in the process of reinstalling everything and backing up them files oh and not reinstalling limewire on my main laptop

Excellent, glad it got sorted.