Expert: James Filmer - 4/26/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello:

I have lost the Admin password on two pc's that I had been trying to get onto a new domain.  I have been working on trying to fix the issue since 5:00pm yesterday afternoon because I need them fixed by 7:00am Monday morning, otherwise I may become unemployed.  I have tried a number of "fixes" that are out there on the internet but none have worked.  A popular one has me downloading a zip file then extracting an .iso file which I am supposed to burn to a cd and then boot from it.  The problem I keep having is after I unzip the winzip file, the .iso file still thinks it is a winzip file.  When I double click on it Winzip opens. The file extension is .iso but when I go to properties it says "open with" and Winzip is the program that shows up even though it is an .iso file.  I can change the program that is used to open the .iso file but what would I change it to?  An iso file is just a "copy" of all the files that make up an o.s. (kind of).  I am so lost at this point.  Any help or advise would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!.

Paul DiPietro  


ANSWER: HI paul,

About losing the Admin password, if you haven't seen this post, it might help:
http://www.techrecipe.co.cc/2009/03/how-to-gain-access-when-you-have.html

Regarding Winzip "Many people thought that WinZIP supports ISO but in fact it doesn’t..."
The following post may help you achieve your goal utilizing the method you're currently trying:
http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2007/10/18/how-to-access-iso-files-using-arc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the prompt response.

One other thing.  Do you know if I choose the "Repair" option when booting from the Windows XP install disk if it will erase all of the data on the hard drive.  I am not formatting the drive or reinstalling the O.S., just running repair.

Thanks again,

Paul

Answer
I think michaelsteventech has the best detailed answer for your specific question (I could say the same thing in my own words but he explains it very well).

The other two links might also be helpful.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

http://www.theeldergeek.com/repairing_windows_xp.htm

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080517151220AAXoQEV