WINXP Pro Log in Problem: Asks for user password when none has been assigned

[nupe494]

I realize this is a Linux forum but I need help with this windows issue. This problem is driving me crazy! WINXP asks for user password when none has been assigned. It won't accept any password or a blank input and the only way to log in is to shut down and restart. Then it won't ask for a password until it has been sitting for a while. I've looked all over the internet with little success other than the possibility this is due to an SP2 or Windows security update. There's nothing on Microsoft site that discusses this problem.

I have three computers all with fresh installs that are exhibiting this same problem. Does anyone have a clue as to how to solve this???

[Game master pro]

Try pressing ctrl + alt + del + del and type your username in there and press enter

[nupe494]

I've tried the ctrl +alt +del +del with no success. It's just ignored.

I have the screensaver turned off to try and avoid this problem and when I came in this morning the screensaver was running (although still disabled in the setup menu) and the old style password screen was up. It wouldn't even let me type a user name. I had to reset the computer to get back in.

I'm really surprised this problem isn't all over the net with a fix. Unless no one does the windows updates.

[Roxoff]

Here's the best solution I can think of:

for each pc in turn:
1. reboot
2. go into the bios, set the computer to boot from CD
3. insert your fave linux distro disk 1 into the drive
4. re-boot and start the installer
5. re-partition the drive, overwriting any windows partitions
6. follow the rest of the install instructions until you achieve utopia

[scientica]

my guess is that it's a case of the usual windows-consitency - it doesn't allow you to have null-passwords, but somehow you can make it happen.

Locking thread. (I can already smell the gasoline fumes)