Is Safe Mode is disabled?

[Robert]

I tried getting into safe mode on a 1 1/2 year old eMachine that came
with XP Home Edition.

Pressing the "F8" key at boot produces a blank screen only.

If "Enter" is then pressed, what might be a factory modified Safe Mode
menu appears.

It only has one entry, which is to boot windows normally. All the
other options are missing from the screen.

Any idea what they did to this poor machine?

Thanks,
Robert

[Jupiter Jones]

Robert;
Is there an X in the top right corner to close that screen?
Some OEMs have another screen that comes up in front of regular screen
and needs to be closed or minimized to get to the Safe Mode Desktop.

Otherwise contact E-Machines.

--
Jupiter Jones
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
Please respond to newsgroup only for everyone's benefit.


"Robert" > wrote in message
...
> I tried getting into safe mode on a 1 1/2 year old eMachine that
came
> with XP Home Edition.
>
> Pressing the "F8" key at boot produces a blank screen only.
>
> If "Enter" is then pressed, what might be a factory modified Safe
Mode
> menu appears.
>
> It only has one entry, which is to boot windows normally. All the
> other options are missing from the screen.
>
> Any idea what they did to this poor machine?
>
> Thanks,
> Robert

[Robert]

No X is there.

Emachine, like Microsoft, will not respond unless I buy support time
from them.

I suspect this is a registry coverup for the security flaw Microsoft
left in XP Home. I would prefer that eMachine just delete the
Administrator account rather than disable Safe Mode.

Robert



On Mon, 28 Apr 2003 00:08:35 -0600, "Jupiter Jones"
> wrote:

>Robert;
>Is there an X in the top right corner to close that screen?
>Some OEMs have another screen that comes up in front of regular screen
>and needs to be closed or minimized to get to the Safe Mode Desktop.
>
>Otherwise contact E-Machines.

[Jupiter Jones]

Robert;
Try a Google search "emachine" and "Safe Mode".
Perhaps there is an emachine newsgroup?
Maybe you can find something out.

What security flaw are you referring to?
Administrator in Safe Mode without a password is not a flaw.
Users are able to easily password that Administrator just like any
other profile.

--
Jupiter Jones
Check the following link for some great problem solving newsgroups.
http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx
Please respond to newsgroup only. Everyone can benefit from the
message.


"Robert" > wrote in message
...
> No X is there.
>
> Emachine, like Microsoft, will not respond unless I buy support time
> from them.
>
> I suspect this is a registry coverup for the security flaw Microsoft
> left in XP Home. I would prefer that eMachine just delete the
> Administrator account rather than disable Safe Mode.
>
> Robert
>
>
>
> On Mon, 28 Apr 2003 00:08:35 -0600, "Jupiter Jones"
> > wrote:
>
> >Robert;
> >Is there an X in the top right corner to close that screen?
> >Some OEMs have another screen that comes up in front of regular
screen
> >and needs to be closed or minimized to get to the Safe Mode
Desktop.
> >
> >Otherwise contact E-Machines.
>

[Robert]

I googled this to death already. That's why I hit the newsgroups.

Having no password requirement for the Administrator is a major flaw,
vulnerability, and back door that makes the computer a sitting duck to
anyone who wants to access it.

It is easy to check the oil level on cars too. It does not mean
everyone knows how to do it. But cars come with a manual if you need
to look it up. Windows lacks the proper manual in this case.

How would you feel if you went to check the oil level on your new car
but couldn't find the dipstick? What if the owners manual made no
mention of it? What if some obscure newsgroup writer says it's easily
done; just remove the air cleaner, unbolt the top engine cover, remove
the flat panel, move the wiring harness aside, and there it is? What
do you mean you didn't know it was there, it's easy? How could you
miss it?

Show me where in Windows XP Home's help files there is any explanation
of setting a password for the Administrator account. Show me where it
tells says you need it boot in Safe Mode to access the Administrator
account.

All the XP security books I have seen discuss only the Pro edition.
The Home edition is ignored as if security is meaningless.

The Home edition gives the illusion of security. That is its greatest
flaw.

Robert




On Tue, 29 Apr 2003 00:54:55 GMT, "Jupiter Jones"
> wrote:

>Robert;
>Try a Google search "emachine" and "Safe Mode".
>Perhaps there is an emachine newsgroup?
>Maybe you can find something out.
>
>What security flaw are you referring to?
>Administrator in Safe Mode without a password is not a flaw.
>Users are able to easily password that Administrator just like any
>other profile.

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

A simple search for "Administrator" in Help & Support reveals lots
of useful information, including "Security Best Practices." Just
because you've steadfastly refused to learn how to use the operating
system, don't assume that every one else is going to blame Microsoft
for their own failings.

Would you prefer that Microsoft and/or some other large
corporation (the PC manufacturers) set a password to _your_ computer?
Do you need to be protected from yourself?

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
----
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH


"Robert" > wrote in message
...
> I googled this to death already. That's why I hit the newsgroups.
>
> Having no password requirement for the Administrator is a major
flaw,
> vulnerability, and back door that makes the computer a sitting duck
to
> anyone who wants to access it.
>
> It is easy to check the oil level on cars too. It does not mean
> everyone knows how to do it. But cars come with a manual if you need
> to look it up. Windows lacks the proper manual in this case.
>
> How would you feel if you went to check the oil level on your new
car
> but couldn't find the dipstick? What if the owners manual made no
> mention of it? What if some obscure newsgroup writer says it's
easily
> done; just remove the air cleaner, unbolt the top engine cover,
remove
> the flat panel, move the wiring harness aside, and there it is? What
> do you mean you didn't know it was there, it's easy? How could you
> miss it?
>
> Show me where in Windows XP Home's help files there is any
explanation
> of setting a password for the Administrator account. Show me where
it
> tells says you need it boot in Safe Mode to access the Administrator
> account.
>
> All the XP security books I have seen discuss only the Pro edition.

> The Home edition is ignored as if security is meaningless.
>
> The Home edition gives the illusion of security. That is its
greatest
> flaw.
>
> Robert
>
>
>
>

[Robert]

Amazing. There is nothing in the Windows Help Files or on the
Microsoft site about these issues. Yet you claim there are all sorts
of useful things and make a personal attack upon me.

You should refrain from posting when you have nothing useful to share.

Microsoft tolerates constructive criticism. They do not tolerate
personal attacks on their group sites.

Robert



On Tue, 29 Apr 2003 07:47:22 -0600, "Bruce Chambers"
> wrote:

>Greetings --
>
> A simple search for "Administrator" in Help & Support reveals lots
>of useful information, including "Security Best Practices." Just
>because you've steadfastly refused to learn how to use the operating
>system, don't assume that every one else is going to blame Microsoft
>for their own failings.
>
> Would you prefer that Microsoft and/or some other large
>corporation (the PC manufacturers) set a password to _your_ computer?
>Do you need to be protected from yourself?
>
>Bruce Chambers
>
>Help us help you:
>http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>----
>You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
>having both at once. -- RAH
>
>
>"Robert" > wrote in message
...
>> I googled this to death already. That's why I hit the newsgroups.
>>
>> Having no password requirement for the Administrator is a major
>flaw,
>> vulnerability, and back door that makes the computer a sitting duck
>to
>> anyone who wants to access it.
>>
>> It is easy to check the oil level on cars too. It does not mean
>> everyone knows how to do it. But cars come with a manual if you need
>> to look it up. Windows lacks the proper manual in this case.
>>
>> How would you feel if you went to check the oil level on your new
>car
>> but couldn't find the dipstick? What if the owners manual made no
>> mention of it? What if some obscure newsgroup writer says it's
>easily
>> done; just remove the air cleaner, unbolt the top engine cover,
>remove
>> the flat panel, move the wiring harness aside, and there it is? What
>> do you mean you didn't know it was there, it's easy? How could you
>> miss it?
>>
>> Show me where in Windows XP Home's help files there is any
>explanation
>> of setting a password for the Administrator account. Show me where
>it
>> tells says you need it boot in Safe Mode to access the Administrator
>> account.
>>
>> All the XP security books I have seen discuss only the Pro edition.
>
>> The Home edition is ignored as if security is meaningless.
>>
>> The Home edition gives the illusion of security. That is its
>greatest
>> flaw.
>>
>> Robert
>>
>>
>>
>>
>

[Jupiter Jones]

Robert;
I have used automobiles as a comparison to computers.
But in this case it does not wash.
With autos--you have to take a written and practical test to get a
license before you can drive.
With a computer--Nothing
With a auto--take to garage for periodic maintenance.
With a computer--Run it till it dies, then when it does, scream at
whoever.
With an auto--insurance covers accidents.
With a computer--if you neglect to learn, Nothing.

the information is out there.
windows XP Home has a fair degree of security available, but that is
not the intention.
An example is Simple File sharing is hard wired.

Even in Pro, proper measures need to be taken to protect the data.
It will not and is not intended to do itself.

You can blame whoever you want however you want.
When it is all said and done it is your computer and no one will pay
you for your loss.
It matters not who you blame, it is still your loss.

--
Jupiter Jones
Check the following link for some great problem solving newsgroups.
http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx
Please respond to newsgroup only. Everyone can benefit from the
message.


"Robert" > wrote in message
...
> I googled this to death already. That's why I hit the newsgroups.
>
> Having no password requirement for the Administrator is a major
flaw,
> vulnerability, and back door that makes the computer a sitting duck
to
> anyone who wants to access it.
>
> It is easy to check the oil level on cars too. It does not mean
> everyone knows how to do it. But cars come with a manual if you need
> to look it up. Windows lacks the proper manual in this case.
>
> How would you feel if you went to check the oil level on your new
car
> but couldn't find the dipstick? What if the owners manual made no
> mention of it? What if some obscure newsgroup writer says it's
easily
> done; just remove the air cleaner, unbolt the top engine cover,
remove
> the flat panel, move the wiring harness aside, and there it is? What
> do you mean you didn't know it was there, it's easy? How could you
> miss it?
>
> Show me where in Windows XP Home's help files there is any
explanation
> of setting a password for the Administrator account. Show me where
it
> tells says you need it boot in Safe Mode to access the Administrator
> account.
>
> All the XP security books I have seen discuss only the Pro edition.
> The Home edition is ignored as if security is meaningless.
>
> The Home edition gives the illusion of security. That is its
greatest
> flaw.
>
> Robert
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, 29 Apr 2003 00:54:55 GMT, "Jupiter Jones"
> > wrote:
>
> >Robert;
> >Try a Google search "emachine" and "Safe Mode".
> >Perhaps there is an emachine newsgroup?
> >Maybe you can find something out.
> >
> >What security flaw are you referring to?
> >Administrator in Safe Mode without a password is not a flaw.
> >Users are able to easily password that Administrator just like any
> >other profile.
>

[Robert]

It is interesting to see the various computer newsgroups once in a
while, but there is a the reason I am not a regular.

Many computer newsgroups have mentally ill trollers who have just a
little bit of computer literacy and way too much time on their hands.
Sometimes they are useful and can even be helpful to computer newbies
who need simple questions answered.

But as soon as a computer problem is too complex for them to
understand they lash out at the questioner with accusations of
incompetence. They are angry people who would be better off not
exposing themselves and their problems on the internet.

As a result of this occurring on this newsgroup, I have posted my
questions on a much more technical site than this, where actual
computer professionals and high end hobbyists hang out. There my Post
drew an impressive response, not only because it is a surprising quirk
in XP Home Edition, but because the newsgroup regulars actually
understood it.

By the end of the day I had answers to my questions, the same concern
over the security problems, much agreement, and a solution. I was even
asked to post the appropriate registry key so it can be analysed. The
Administrator account is now password protected. All that remains is
to figure out how safe mode was hidden and if a specially configured
boot disk can compromise the majority of XP Home Edition computers.

It will likely be written up in the popular press in the near future,
so even the trollers of this newsgroup will get another shot at
learning something new despite themselves.

Robert




On Wed, 30 Apr 2003 03:23:02 GMT, "Jupiter Jones"
> wrote:

>Robert;
>I have used automobiles as a comparison to computers.
>But in this case it does not wash.
>With autos--you have to take a written and practical test to get a
>license before you can drive.
>With a computer--Nothing
>With a auto--take to garage for periodic maintenance.
>With a computer--Run it till it dies, then when it does, scream at
>whoever.
>With an auto--insurance covers accidents.
>With a computer--if you neglect to learn, Nothing.
>
>the information is out there.
>windows XP Home has a fair degree of security available, but that is
>not the intention.
>An example is Simple File sharing is hard wired.
>
>Even in Pro, proper measures need to be taken to protect the data.
>It will not and is not intended to do itself.
>
>You can blame whoever you want however you want.
>When it is all said and done it is your computer and no one will pay
>you for your loss.
>It matters not who you blame, it is still your loss.

[Jupiter Jones]

Robert;
You were given all the information on this group except specifics on a
particular OEM computer.
Apparently no one here was familiar with that model.
It may surprise you to know that this is not an Emachine group,
however we did try and help as well as make suggestions as a possible
source of the information you wanted.

In any case your desire to now call names to people shows the true
weakness of your character.
You apparently found a place of like minded people.
suggest you go there and keep each other company.

One last thing.
The descriptions you seem to so strongly place on us seems to fit you.
I suggest you read your own posts, you seem to forget what they say.

Good bye Robert.
No point in responding unless you like talking to yourself.

--
Jupiter Jones
Check the following link for some great problem solving newsgroups.
http://support.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx
Please respond to newsgroup only. Everyone can benefit from the
message.


"Robert" > wrote in message
...
> It is interesting to see the various computer newsgroups once in a
> while, but there is a the reason I am not a regular.
>
> Many computer newsgroups have mentally ill trollers who have just a
> little bit of computer literacy and way too much time on their
hands.
> Sometimes they are useful and can even be helpful to computer
newbies
> who need simple questions answered.
>
> But as soon as a computer problem is too complex for them to
> understand they lash out at the questioner with accusations of
> incompetence. They are angry people who would be better off not
> exposing themselves and their problems on the internet.
>
> As a result of this occurring on this newsgroup, I have posted my
> questions on a much more technical site than this, where actual
> computer professionals and high end hobbyists hang out. There my
Post
> drew an impressive response, not only because it is a surprising
quirk
> in XP Home Edition, but because the newsgroup regulars actually
> understood it.
>
> By the end of the day I had answers to my questions, the same
concern
> over the security problems, much agreement, and a solution. I was
even
> asked to post the appropriate registry key so it can be analysed.
The
> Administrator account is now password protected. All that remains is
> to figure out how safe mode was hidden and if a specially configured
> boot disk can compromise the majority of XP Home Edition computers.
>
> It will likely be written up in the popular press in the near
future,
> so even the trollers of this newsgroup will get another shot at
> learning something new despite themselves.
>
> Robert
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, 30 Apr 2003 03:23:02 GMT, "Jupiter Jones"
> > wrote:
>
> >Robert;
> >I have used automobiles as a comparison to computers.
> >But in this case it does not wash.
> >With autos--you have to take a written and practical test to get a
> >license before you can drive.
> >With a computer--Nothing
> >With a auto--take to garage for periodic maintenance.
> >With a computer--Run it till it dies, then when it does, scream at
> >whoever.
> >With an auto--insurance covers accidents.
> >With a computer--if you neglect to learn, Nothing.
> >
> >the information is out there.
> >windows XP Home has a fair degree of security available, but that
is
> >not the intention.
> >An example is Simple File sharing is hard wired.
> >
> >Even in Pro, proper measures need to be taken to protect the data.
> >It will not and is not intended to do itself.
> >
> >You can blame whoever you want however you want.
> >When it is all said and done it is your computer and no one will
pay
> >you for your loss.
> >It matters not who you blame, it is still your loss.
>

[Robert]

Your reply sounds like something the Iraqi Information Minister would
peddle. Your whole post is just an attempt to blame me for being
attacked by trollers. Time to turn the table on you, so I actually
took the time to respond:

On Wed, 30 Apr 2003 05:48:18 GMT, "Jupiter Jones"
> wrote:

>Robert;
>You were given all the information on this group except specifics on a
>particular OEM computer.
>Apparently no one here was familiar with that model.

Yet several responded with generic links that had no mention what so
ever of the problems. Along with these were accusations I was
incompetent, had not read the manual, and that the security problem
with the Administrator account was my fault.

Why respond to my post at all if they had no idea how to fix the
problem? Perhaps ego and the opportunity to launch an attack. Does it
makes them feel good to lash out and attack people they do not know?

>It may surprise you to know that this is not an Emachine group,

Is this another lame attack on my intelligence?

>however we did try and help as well as make suggestions as a possible
>source of the information you wanted.

You make it all sound so nice now. But why post a possible source
instead of a confirmed one? Do you post just for the sake of posting
because you don't have a life and don't care if your links are
unrelated to my question? Do you need to have something to post here
that bad? Is it a compulsion?

>In any case your desire to now call names to people shows the true
>weakness of your character.

So throw it back at me for pointing out the sickness of the trollers?
Do you consider my character weak because I waited so long to respond
to the trollers attack, or because I identified the true nature of the
attack? I must have hit the nail on the head to get such a response
from you.

>You apparently found a place of like minded people.
>suggest you go there and keep each other company.

I said that was a place, "where actual
computer professionals and high end hobbyists hang out." Did you
forget that already or were you just continuing your disinformation
campaign?

>
>One last thing.
>The descriptions you seem to so strongly place on us seems to fit you.
>I suggest you read your own posts, you seem to forget what they say.

How absurd. I asked questions. I didn't go around attacking anyone or
their computer abilities. I didn't send anyone off to unrelated links.
You can't resist twisting facts, can you?

>
>Good bye Robert.
>No point in responding unless you like talking to yourself.

Typical losers way out. Dismiss me and say you are no longer reading
anything else I write. It reminds me of a child throwing a tantrum and
covering their eyes and ears with their hands so they can't see or
hear anything.

It does not matter whether you read this or not. You gave me a chance
to respond in more detail. Perhaps other readers will be less likely
now to put up with the trolling and personal attacks I see in this
newsgroup.

This will be my last post in this subject header as my computer
problem was solved elsewhere, the matter here is closed, and I am
going on vacation tomorrow.

Goodnight,
Robert