command prompt - repair - system32/config/system issue

Patrick

Thank you for your reply. I have a few comments and questions:


<<> That would be likely if you managed to boot Windows; the file would be
> locked as in use. You have to boot from another source, so those files are
> not in use, and this is why the directions tell you to boot from the CD.>>

Yes, I understand that I did manage to boot either with a command prompt in
Safe Mode or in the Recovery Console -- in fact, it was in the Recovery
Console as I was following the instructions in Microsoft kb document 307545 -
so I obviously had the Dell CD at the time.


<<> You can use any bootable XP CD for the Recovery Console, move the drive
to
> another system and manipulate the files there, use a Linux boot CD, etc.>>

This is where the problem comes in. When I did it the first time, I was
able to get to the command prompt even though asked for the Administrator
password. Now, I get the message saying that the password is incorrect, so I
am unable to boot.

<<> Sounds like the way that you did this caused further problems. And you
> need the set of files, not just one.>>

I realize this now - but as I said, in the set, the file
\windows\repair\system did not exist as I had only
\windows\repair\system.bak. I did not copy the other files \software, \sam,
\security and \default. However, I just cannot get to the Dos prompt to fix
any of this.
>


<<> First, you'll have to clear the trashed passwords, and there are boot
disks,
> some linux-based, that have utilities for clearing XP passwords. For
> example,
> http://home.eunet.no/~pnordahl/ntpasswd/
> http://www.ebcd.pcministry.com/>>


I came across the ebcd and downloaded it on an iMac and burned it to a disk,
but I cannot get the computer to boot from there. Is there a specific
procedure to use?

> > However, note that if you've used EFS, and didn't export the account
> credentials, encrypted data will be permanently lost, but on the other hand,
> it probably already is.>>

I have no idea what this means. Could you explain, please? Also, I am not
aware of any encrypted data that I should be worried about. Or should I?





<<> If the boot CD you use has a file manager, you can perform all of the
tasks
> in the KB article in one pass. Just read carefully and understand what it
> is you're doing.>>

I have no problem doing what is stated and understand how to do it in batch
mode, but as I said the file mentioned in the KB article was not to be found
unless system.bak is the equivalent. I also understand now that it is a set
of files.


If you have any other ideas, I'd appreciate your help.

Thanks again for your help and patience.

Best regards,

Bwana