How to Repair WinXP without Administrtor data

Question

I need to repair Win XP because Internet Explorer is gone, and Add or Remove Programs is not accessible. But: I cannot enter the Administrator info that the Reinstallation CD asks for, because I never entered this info on my computer. How do I proceed--can I repair without this info, or must I crater the drive and start fresh?

osprey4 · Answer

Hi, msklaue:

The choice is yours. You can spend three or four days trying to troubleshoot why you can't perform a repair installation, or you spend 15 minutes running PC Restore (if you still have it on your hard drive), or an hour reinstalling XP. Instructions for either a quick PC restore or XP reinstallation can be found here.

Good luck!

msklaue · Answer

Thanks, Osprey4

Unfortunately, PC Restore was erased by several complete WinXP reinstallations on my home computer.

I've recently been advised by a Protonic.com tech. that when a Repair installation stalls because no Administrator password is provided, that I should just press "Enter" and then continue with repairing WinXP. I will be tring to do this either tonight or tomorrow night.

best regards, Maryann

New to Dell Community

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