Retrieve files from computer

[Allan]

Sorry, I should have been more specific. Go to the Recovery Console and enter the following command (followed by ENTER):

COPY C:\WINDOWS\REPAIR\SYSTEM.BAK C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

You shouldn't have to navigate to the \repair folder in order to run the command, but feel free to do so if necessary.

[cthegraves]

Great!  I got that to work, but now, it says "when trying to update a password, the value returned is not correct"

What now?

Scott

[Allan]

When do you see that message?

[Allan]

I think I understand the problem. We are using an original system hive with current other hives. I can get you into the system and your data will be safe, but Windows will be essentially back to the way it was when you first loaded it. You'll have to reformat and reinstall after retrieving your data - is that okay? I'm about to shut down for the evening so let me assume the answer is yes.

Go back to the RC and do the following commands:

COPY C:\WINDOWS\REPAIR\SAM.BAK C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SAM
COPY C:\WINDOWS\REPAIR\SOFTWARE.BAK C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE
COPY C:\WINDOWS\REPAIR\DEFAULT.BAK C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\DEFAULT
COPY C:\WINDOWS\REPAIR\SECURITY.BAK C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SECURITY

That should do it, but any programs you installed will no longer be installed, etc. If you still have problems getting in you - OR if you don't want to reset the OS to it's initial state, try a repair install (boot to the XP CD and choose the second repair option and allow XP to install on top of itself).

[cthegraves]

Will I loose my pictures? Will this reset the password?

[patio]

Slave Drive Tutorial

The drive does not have to be able to boot Windows to do this...

Best of Luck.

Sorry Allan i was typing as you posted.

[cthegraves]

Is there no way to reset the password?

[Dusty]

KB307545 is worth a read but note the warning about password/account creation if used with an OEM installation which is quoted below:

Warning Do not use the procedure that is described in this article if your computer has an OEM-installed operating system. The system hive on OEM installations creates passwords and user accounts that did not exist previously. If you use the procedure that is described in this article, you may not be able to log back into the recovery console to restore the original registry hives.

[cthegraves]

This is not an OEM computer. I am just concerned about how I will get my pictures if I do this. Someone said I will have to format and reinstall after I get my pictures. How will I be able to get them before I do that?

This computer has never had a administrator password set on it, but it is not blank nor is it "password".

Anyone have any ideas how to reset the password so I may get my pictures off the hard drive?

Thanks!

Scott

[patio]

To retrieve your pictures click the link  in my post above...
If you do this then no matter what happens in trying to deal with this password issue you will still have your pictures.
Even if you do wind up formatting and re-installing.

[Allan]

And to answer your question, if you follow the procedure I posted (either via the RC or the repair install) you will NOT lose any data. All that will be effected is the OS itself. Actually, the simpler procedure may be the repair install first. Try it - as long as you don't format the drive you won't lose a thing.

[cthegraves]

How do I get passed the login prompt for the administrator to do the rest. It is still prompting for a password at the command prompt?

Thanks!

Scott

[Allan]

Okay, just do the repair install. Boot to the XP CD and choose the SECOND repair option. Don't format anything - just allow the repair install to proceed.

[patio]

Repair Install of XP...

I still suggest backing up what you need from that drive beforehand...i've seen even Repair Installs fail...

You stated in your first post that retrieveing the photos was important...therefore that should take priority over attempting to fix the OS.

If anything goes wrong if you do NOT take that mindset into it then you're basically screwed.

[Allan]

Even if the repair install is unsuccessful for some reason it won't effect the data stored on the drive. But I agree - there's certainly no harm in slaving the drive and accessing the data that way.