HI cyndi_x63,

To reset the windows XP logon password all you need to do is reboot the computer and gently keep tapping the F8 key on the keyboard, this will give you a black screen (Advanced Boot Option) with many options. Select the Safe Mode option and once it loads you will have an option to Log on into the Admin Account. If you have set an admin password try it and if you have not then just leave the password field blank and press Enter.Once you login open the control panel and change the password from the User Accounts option. After that is done simply reboot the computer and it should load into the normal mode and here enter the new password. For the wireless issue if you have a wired internet connection then i'd suggest you give the Tech support a call and they will be able to fix it in a matter of mins.

Thanks. It comes on as usual, with the windows logo and the bottom you see the booting in progress, then it goes directly to what i said above. asking for the system password or the admin password, neither of which do i have. i only have my password to log onto windows. i'll try to contact dell and chat and see if they can help me reset that! Thanks so very much~

Thanks you so much. I tried what you said and it still went to the screen that says "dell inc." then wwwldell.com and it's aqgain telling me that the computer system is protected by a password authentication system. That I cannot access the data on the computer without the correct password. It then asks me for the system or admin password, i've tried to type in mine, which is the windows log on password , but it continues to tell me it's invalid.....any other suggestions? I'm open for help!

hello cyndi_x63,

it almost sounds like you have a BIOS password on the system..are you seeing windows XP before you get the screen...and on the screen is it giving a system ID (Please DO NOT post the system ID)...if so call tech support and you need to get the BIOS password reset on the laptop...

1. Turn on the computer.

2. After the Dell logo splash screen, press the  key.

3. When the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen appears, use the key to select Safe Mode, and then press the key.

4. When the Select the operating system to start screen appears, select Microsoft Windows XP, and press .
The To begin, click your user name screen appears.

5. Click Administrator.
The password window appears.

6. Type the administrator password, and then click the arrow.
The Windows is running in Safe mode dialog box appears.

7. Click Yes.

8. Click START --> Control Panel --> User Accounts --> Create New Account (Follow the On screen instructions and make sure that you select the Account Type as  Administrator)

9. Restart the computer.

10. Logon into the New Account

11.Copy all the files from your other User into the new account.

Hello again cyndi_x63,

If you are able to logon into the admin account in the safe mode then go to the comtrol panel and create a new account with administrative rights and you will have the new account name listed in the normal mode. Log in into the new account then and copy all the files into your new account name and delete the old account. If you need step by step instructions do let me know i will post it for you.