I have a Dimension 8200 that is 2 years old....I regularly install windows updates, run Ad-Aware/Spybot and update/run anti-virus software.  This is my home computer.  I don't play games on it, but use it for work and school.

I installed SP2 and got stop error c0000135, winsrv not found.  I downloaded the Windows  knowledge base articles 875350 and 875355 for instructions on removing SP2 using Recovery Console. 

When I get to the point where it asks for the administrator password, nothing works....not the admin pswd I have set up to logon to the computer, not leaving it blank.  I called Dell twice (once through Microsoft) and both times was told that Dell does not set a master pswd on computers when it installs operating systems (mine came with XP Pro on it).  However, recent threads indicate that this is not the case - can anyone clear this up for me?

Right now I am considering the following options if I cannot get a pswd from Dell:
1. Unpulg the pin to reset the password
2. Use a program such as Knoppix to reset the password
3. Last ditch effort - reinstall XP

Suggestions?  Microsoft was useless - their 'technician' knew less than I and only offered suggestions of things I had tried.  When I asked questions, he put me on hold each time to go figure out the answer.  Sigh.

Thanks much.