My Windows Won't Boot After the Password

By Charles Poole

Restore your computer to get it back into working order.
i computer keyboard image by forca from Fotolia.com

The Windows operating system begins with a welcome screen where you must enter the password for the account you want to use. If you type in your password and Windows doesn't start, there is a problem with your computer's boot process. You don't need a professional to diagnose and fix this issue; you can fix it yourself and save time and money.

Windows XP

Start or restart your computer while pressing and holding down the "F8" key to enter the "Windows Advanced Options" screen.

Use the arrow keys to select "Safe Mode With Command Prompt" and press "Enter."

Type "%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe" at the prompt and press "Enter" to start the "System Restore Wizard." Choose "Restore My Computer To Earlier Date."

Choose a restore check point from the menu and click "Next." Wait for the restore process to run, then follow the prompts to finish.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista

Start your computer while holding down the "F8" key to boot into the "Windows Advanced Boot Menu."

Click the "System Recovery" option in the menu.

Click the "Startup Repair" option.

Follow the prompts to recover your system's boot settings.

Click the "Restart" option to restart your computer and allow the changes to take effect.

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