My computer is in lockout/ I don't use a password!

[Ginmay]

I was logged into my laptop on line when it suddenly went black. I had a problem getting back to desktop. After a few minutes it went black again and a box came up telling me:

The computer is in use and has been locked down. It can only be opened by
"________ ___________" or an administrator and there was a line for a password.

I am the sole administrator and user and have never registered a password on this computer on this Win XP system. Can someone please help me!

Ginny

Dell Vostro 1000
Laptop
Windows XP

[Ginmay]

With the help of a friend I was able to clear the strange lockout and after a reboot all seems well. My computer was originally setup without a password and I never saw a need to update it.

I am going to give the problem some thought before I decide whether or not to create a password.

Ginny

[Murf]

Try this:

1. Unplug the laptop from the charger
2. Remove the battery
3. Hold down the power button for about 1 minute
4. Put battery back in
5. Start it up

[Ginmay]

Hi Murf,

Thanks for your suggestion. This was the strangest thing I ever experienced with a computer. It happened when I was on line while I stepped away from the computer for a few minutes.

Since I don't have a password I finally put ENTER in the box that was asking for a password and clicked "okay." It brought me back to the desktop without icons. I hit control, alternate, delete and brought up the task manager and hit restart and it worked.

I think my computer had a " brain freeze" and so did I! Your suggestion seems plausible too, so I will file it away in my card file of emergency solutions in case it happens again.

Thanks so much for coming to my rescue.

Ginny