logging in (Windows XP)

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Hi All!

I’m having the most curious problem. I have a logon password for my XP computer, but for some odd reason, I can’t type it in! The computer acts as if I don’t have permission to type in the block, giving me only beepy-clicks, and not allowing anyhting to be typed into the password block.

I’ve found a strange way around this, I can log in as guest (no password required) and then when I “switch user” I can type my password. The problem is that when I do this other problems (like iTunes) get a little freaked out, so it’s not a good long-term solution. BTW, the computer won’t let me log out of guest when I do this. That is probably even stranger than the password issue.

I have a Dell that’s about a year old and I’m using a dell keyboard and a mouse (both PS/2) that I’ve been using from the beginning. The idea that I had was that it related to the keyboard and mouse, but it doesn’t seem to be the answer.

Can anyone suggest what else to try? I’ve already searched Microsoft and the web and found very little on this subject.

TIA!!!

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One quick thing to try (all I can think of right now) is that, instead of trying to type anything, press Ctrl-Alt-Del TWICE in succession. This should bring up the other type of logon screen so you can see if you can type your password there. That might be a start on this hunt…

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Thanks for the hint, unfortunately it didn’t work. I’ve also been unable to find any answer to this question around the ‘net, although I have seen two others complaining of the same problem. Ugggggh.

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Is XP fully updated? Have you tried Dell’s support site? You do mean a Windows logon and not a BIOS password don’t you?

Joe

--Joe

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Yes, Windows is fully updated, yes, I’ve tried a variety of support sites, including Dell’s, and yes, I mean Windows logon, not Bios. It is the user’s Windows logon password that can’t be typed in at all. Opening the Guest account and then doing Switch To–>username will allow me to log into the account, but I can’t log into the account without opening the guest account.

It’s all so very odd.

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Is this XP Home or Pro? Have you tried changing the password? Have you tried creating another account with a password to see if that will work?

Joe

--Joe

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It’s pro. I tried creating other accounts, deleting all accounts and starting over, but any new account I make, even when I start over, has the same problem.

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Are you using remote desktop or terminal services?

Joe

--Joe

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I’m not using remote desktop. How do I know if I’m using terminal services (although I don’t think I am)?

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Have you done the usual a/v & malware scans such as those mentioned in Tutorials & Links to Detection & Removal Tools?

Joe

--Joe

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That was one of the very first things I thought of doing…that and changing the keyboard.

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Have you checked any group policy settings?

Joe

--Joe

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What should I look for? (and how should I look 😉

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This group policy editor “windows xp” site:support.microsoft.com – Google Search will supply many links to read about Group Policy. The short way to access group policies is to go to Start | Run | gpedit.msc. Poke around to see if something concerning passwords has been disabled. Be careful about changing settings – be sure you are aware of what the policy change will do. Sometimes the effect of a policy change is the opposite of what you may think when you first read the policy. If you are not sure post back.

Joe

--Joe

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