Hey guys.

This is for one of our own who is down right now and asked for help. (Robbie..SG std).

I think we have a registry problem created by the Sasser Worm.

Check his symptoms below and please recommend your thoughts. Thank you.

On startup PC is looping. Has the error "When trying to update a password the return status indicates that the value provided as the current password is not correct." Continuous rebooting even in safe mode. He does not have an XP cd. It's an OEM machine and the OS is preloaded on the HD. He has no password set. This could be fixed if he had a actual OS disk, but HP bundles only a restore CD that will wipe out his apps. (I think his data will be ok).

Cheers!

Well, it's not pretty but here you go http://helpdesk.puc.edu/UnAuthKBA.aspx?KBID=6

You are sure the recovery CD doesn't have a "Repair" option?

Well, it's not pretty but here you go http://helpdesk.puc.edu/UnAuthKBA.aspx?KBID=6

Actually, they recommend not using this method on an OEM system

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. Be VERY careful when performing this procedure - you could make a recoverable system unrecoverable.

He can try is using a WinXP bootdisk (http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm) to load up Windows and then doing a system restore once he gets in.

If that doesn't work, the recovery CD may be his only option:dunno:

I´m not aware at how the ptp stuff is over at the States, but if I could I´d borrow an XP CD (one of them NOT for new fresh installs in a PC) and use the recovery option. I saved all my junk that way a couple of months ago. I´m sure you can fix it out that way, and if you ain´t able to grab a copy of it Robbie, I´ll send one to ya through good old standard mail man.

I´m not aware at how the ptp stuff is over at the States, but if I could I´d borrow an XP CD (one of them NOT for new fresh installs in a PC) and use the recovery option. I saved all my junk that way a couple of months ago. I´m sure you can fix it out that way, and if you ain´t able to grab a copy of it Robbie, I´ll send one to ya through good old standard mail man.

That would probably only work if it's an recovery CD from HP. They do a system check before the initial setup.

That would probably only work if it's an recovery CD from HP. They do a system check before the initial setup.
Not neccesarly, once you boot the system with the cd you can control everything, at least from my experience. I´ve done it before for a Fujitsu-Siemmens PC my sister has, same thing, all pre-installed. But I am not aware if Hewlett Packard has any addons for these stuff. Bare in mind whatever any manufactured PC software always runs behind our "beloved" windows, but again, I never have dealt with any HP.

Yeah wot I'd do is use Fdisk to delete the partition which has the pre loaded recovery junk on it then format the whole drive and then (using Fdisk again) create a new partitions, use a stand alone copy of XP.

Those pre loaded systems are shite! You get 12 - 15 months down the line, you have all your drivers and Programs updated. Then something goes tits up and your back with a system that needs updating all over again.:brickwall:

Thanks for your input guys. From what I gather, he has no physical CD. (lost or something). And he has no other PC at his home to download utilities, etc.

I could mail him discs, but they will not be HP. I just gave his wife the number for HP to see if they can order one. Some companies charge $40 for a replacement. That would suck, but if it gets him back, it's worth it.