Oops! Changed from domain to workgroup and now can't logon.
 

I have a laptop from work that is a member of a domain (XP Pro). I was
trying to share files with my home network (XP Home). The network setup
wizard wouldn't work on the laptop because it was a member of a domain. In
the Computer Name tab of the System dialog box, there is an option to change
the domain and switch to a workgroup. I clicked on the workgroup option
which disabled (greyed out) the domain name textbox. When I clicked the
domain option button it restored. Seemed reversible enough.
So I clicked the workgroup button and filled in the name of my home
workgroup. When I clicked OK, I was prompted to restart, which I did.
The laptop has secure sign in enabled, where you must press ctrl-alt-delete
to start. Then enter password and logon.
I now get a message:
"The system could not log you on. Make sure your user name and domain are
correct, Then type your password again. Letters in passwords must be typed
using the correct case."
There is an options button, but it only gives the option of shutting down.
The domain textbox is no longer displayed.
I did not enter a new username or password.
I have tried the system restore at bootup, but it is password protected and
does not recognise my password.
I dread having to go to the sysadmin Monday and admit my indescretion.
Any ideas?

Oops! Changed from domain to workgroup and now can't logon.
 

bdawson wrote:

I have a laptop from work that is a member of a domain (XP Pro). I was
trying to share files with my home network (XP Home). The network
setup wizard wouldn't work on the laptop because it was a member of a
domain. In the Computer Name tab of the System dialog box, there is an
option to change the domain and switch to a workgroup. I clicked on
the workgroup option which disabled (greyed out) the domain name
textbox. When I clicked the domain option button it restored. Seemed
reversible enough. So I clicked the workgroup button and filled in the
name of my home workgroup. When I clicked OK, I was prompted to
restart, which I did. The laptop has secure sign in enabled, where you
must press ctrl-alt-delete to start. Then enter password and logon.
I now get a message:
"The system could not log you on. Make sure your user name and domain
are correct, Then type your password again. Letters in passwords must
be typed using the correct case."
There is an options button, but it only gives the option of shutting
down. The domain textbox is no longer displayed.
I did not enter a new username or password.
I have tried the system restore at bootup, but it is password
protected and does not recognise my password.
I dread having to go to the sysadmin Monday and admit my indescretion.
Any ideas?

You will have to conquer your dread and go to your sysadmin with your
hat in your hand and admit you messed up. There is no getting around
this. S/he will rejoin your laptop to the domain. At that point, you
can ask if they will set up a local account on the laptop so you can
use it at home. Maybe they will do this, maybe they won't. Many
corporate laptops are configured without local accounts for security.

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"