Need help with my computer

[snugglegirl05]

I bought my computer in 2004. It's a Compaq computer. I chose not to have an administrator log on.

I have some personal files that I needed to delete, but when I go to delete the file, I get an error message basically stating that this procedure cannot be done.

So I contacted Compaq tech support & was told to use the recovery disk. The problem is this: I need to log on as an administrator, but since I chose not to have an administrator log on, I cannot use the recovery disk. So tech support suggested that I purchase a copy of windows xp home edition.

Does anyone know how to create an administrator account in windows xp home edition?

If I purchase a copy of windows xp home edition, what are the steps that I need to take to install it & get my computer up and running?

[Broomjockey]

All you should have to do is start the system in safe mode. While your computer boots up, you should see somewhere what key to press. It should either say "For boot options press" or "To start in safe mode press." The key's usually F8, but that's not 100%, so keep an eye out.

In safe mode, you'll be the system administrator. You can delete the files from there, probably, but you should create a separate administrator account for if you need it later. It's been a while since I've worked with XP, so I don't remember how to do so for certain, but there should be an option in the control panel to create accounts.

[Sandman]

Best tool to use is Ultimate BootCD. It's been a while since I used it but there should be a password manager on there that would allow you to change the password on the admin account... but broomjockey is right. Safe Mode will get you into the admin area of the compy.

[technical.angel]

Hiren's boot CD would be a better choice. You have to have a copy of XP to make a Ultimate Boot CD.

I third Broom.

Of course, let us know how Safe mode works for ya.

[snugglegirl05]

I was able to create a new password for my administrator log on, but when I typed it in at the screen I got to after choosing recovery console, it did not recogonize it.

Can I do a recovery in safe mode?

For the first problem, how do I fix that?

For the second question, if it can be done, what are the steps?

I have windows xp home edition

[Eric the Grey]

II have some personal files that I needed to delete, but when I go to delete the file, I get an error message basically stating that this procedure cannot be done.

I'm not certain why you need a recovery (or even a new) disk in order to delete some files.

When your computer is booting up, BEFORE the Windows loading screen press the F8 key. I will usually start pressing it once my BIOS (the text or splash screen (Compaq in your case)) has gone away, and press it once a second until the boot menu comes up.

Again, once you are in safe mode, you should be able to delete the files normally. If not, something else is going on. Give us the "exact" error message if you get it again, and let us see what's going on.

I've had problems with video files that refused to delete and they took forever to get removed, but I don't remember what the solution was.

Edit: I also have had to use the Unlocker Assistant in order to delete files that some process had open. It works pretty well up to and including Windows 7. It may solve your problem if your error matches the example.



Eric the Grey

[crashhelmet]

Out of curiosity, what is the reason the deletion can't be completed? If the files are being accessed or are active in memory, you won't be able to close them. The only time I've ever seen Windows not allow a user to delete a file is if the user has had their rights set that way. Even as a non-administrator, you should be able to create or delete files.

What is the exact error? You might be trying to do much more than you need to.

CH

[snugglegirl05]

What is the exact error? You might be trying to do much more than you need to.

CH[/QUOTE]

The error message I get when I go to my personal file folder on the desktop & right click on a file I want to delete is...

Windows explorer has encountered a problem & needs to close. The same thing happens if I click on the file & press the delete key.

What is causing this problem?

Can it be fixed without doing a recovery?

[Chromatix]

Since you know how to get to the recovery console, now is the time to do so. When you get there, type the following command:

CHKDSK C: /F

With any luck that'll find something wrong and fix it for you. Explorer crashes and undeletable files are often caused by filesystem errors.

Are you using NTFS or FAT32?

[Eric the Grey]

The error message I get when I go to my personal file folder on the desktop & right click on a file I want to delete is...

Windows explorer has encountered a problem & needs to close. The same thing happens if I click on the file & press the delete key.

What is causing this problem?

Can it be fixed without doing a recovery?

Give this a try:

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/slowrightclick.htm

EDIT: I would suggest using Method 2, instead of mucking around with the registry unless you really know what you're doing in there.

I had a similar problem with Vista, and thought it may be the same thing, but apparently not. XP has it's own issues.


Eric the Grey

[snugglegirl05]

Give this a try:

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/slowrightclick.htm

EDIT: I would suggest using Method 2, instead of mucking around with the registry unless you really know what you're doing in there.

I had a similar problem with Vista, and thought it may be the same thing, but apparently not. XP has it's own issues.


Eric the Grey

I tried this today & it worked.

Now I do not have to do the recovery.