Trying to run Windows XP Repair Console

I just cleaned out a bushel of malware on my PC. Running Windows XP Pro, SP-2.

In the process of cleaning out the malware, a number of windows files got deleted, mostly wallpaper, sound files, and screen savers. There is also an issue around the machine trying to start a screen saver and then locking up. I turned off all screen savers and tried to add the components from the Add/Remove software dialogue but nothing works that way.

So I thought I would just run the Repair Console from my install CD and see if I could get a good clean up that way.

But when I try to start the console it wants my Administrator password. I have tried every password I can think of including the default. It of course gives me three tries and then locks up so I have to reboot and try again.

Is there anyway to recover this password without having to wipe the hard drive and reinstall. or is there a way to start the repair console without having to actually log in to the Administrator account. My personal account has full admin rights but Windows doesn't give you an option to change the account when booting from the CD.

 

I do have a full xp installation disk. I thought I was going to do the repair. Are the instructions in the forum somewhere? Or should I go with the one posted right after your response?

Thom

 

I will give this a shot tonight. I understand from your post that once I complete the repair I will need to run Windows Update to get the Service Packs reinstalled along with the rest of the updates that MS has put out for Windows. Is this correct?

Thanks

 

Have you tried not entering a password? Just hit 'enter'.

I had to go into the same area the other day on another pc, typed in the password I had set & the damn thing wouldn't recognise it.

Got to the same place, hit 'enter' and away it went.

Go figure.

 

This was one of the first things I tried. No Luck. I am still trying to find time to run the reinstall routine. It is just a pain to have to reinstall all of the updates again.