T41 logged in with an account that does not have permision..

[angelcatz]

Hello, I could use some advice here please.

I used to be able to connect to the wireless internet on my T41 Thinkpad.
Today because of a WIE issue to access the internet, I went to 192.168.1.1 on my laptop and in Wireless security I changed the Key 1 code to my phone number - it was a mixture of letters and numbers which I did not write down. btw, Keys 1 thru 4 have codes.
Now I can't access the internet on my laptop.
When I go to control panel, network connections - I get his message - "You are logged on with an account that does not have permission to view the Help and Support Center. Contact an administrator for assistance."

fyi, when I turn on my T41, the Windows XP welcome screen only has the Guest icon to sign-on.

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Regards, Angel

[poshgeordie]

Hi Angel and welcome to the forums.

I think I understand your problem so can I just make sure, can you check the following is right:

1. On the laptop you wirelessly accessed your router settings using 192.168.1.1 via a web browser.

2. On the router you then changed the wireless key to your telephone number and some letters.

3. On the laptop you then thought you could remember the new wireless key but in fact can't (we've all done that BTW!) and you're stuck with not being able to access the router / internet etc because the laptop wireless key's wrong.

4. The guest login does have administrative rights. (If it doesn't or you're not sure can you let us know since the suggestions below won't all work because I don't think you can change the laptop wireless settings unless you're an administrator)

5. What is the make and model of your router?


Assuming the above is correct, try the following:

1a. You seem to have access to the internet now using another PC. I assume this PC is connected to the same router using a network / ethernet cable (ie NOT wirelessly).

2a Use this PC to access the router settings on 192.168.1.1 and go into the wireless settings page.

3a. Change the wireless settings on the router to a new key you can remember.

4a. On the laptop, go into the wireless settings and add the same new key. You should now be able to connect wirelessly using the laptop.


If you do not have another PC connected to the router, find a network / ethernet cable that you can connect between the laptop and the router.

1b. Plug the cable between the router and the network connector on the left side of the laptop (Thinkpad) (note it's the larger of the two similar looking connectors there).

2b. Reboot the laptop. You should now have an internet connection / able to access the router settings, through the network cable.

3b. Connect to the router using 192. etc etc, and access the wireless settings pages. Change the wireless key to something you can remember.

4b. Without disconnecting the network cable, on the laptop access the wireless settings and add the new key. I think I'm right in saying that you should be able to make a wireless connection even when connected by cable.

5b. Disconnect the network cable from the laptop and reboot. Hopefully you now can connect wirelessly using the new key.

Hope this helps and apologies for it being a bit longwinded - I'm not sure of your expertise! Others here will be around to help as well so let us know how you get on.

Seasons wishes to you.

[RealBlackStuff]

If you can't get access to your router, most models have a small reset button on the back.
Hold that down for about 5 seconds (use a paperclip if necessary) and you should now have full access to the router again.
You'll need to re-enter the ISP info and other changes that you have made.

[craigmontHunter]

First, if you are using pre-service pack 3, try pressing ctrl-alt-del twice at the welcome to windows screen, and logging in with the administrator account.

On some routers it is 30 seconds.

Good luck

[angelcatz]

fyi, On the Linksys site I changed the Key 1 code via a a "good" laptop
The "problem" laptop is an IBM Thinkpad T41, type 2373
The Linksys is model WRT54G v8
Windows XP Professional, Version 2002, SP 3

Update,
The "good" laptop today has no issue connecting to the internet via wireless. So this issue is closed.
The "problem" laptop has no problem connecting to the internet via an ethernet cable.

1. The "problem" laptop wireless issue continues:
a. At startup, the Windows XP welcome page only has the Guest icon.

b. I click on the Guest icon, get the Windows welcome music, says loading your personal settings..., and a small window opens -
Access Connections
Attempting to connect:
Laptop
Applying wireless settings - get green check mark
Waiting for association - get a red X
Connection failed.

c. The small window disappears and my desktop opens.
d. I click on my IE icon and get this error page:
Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage
Most likely causes:
-you are not connected to the Internet.
-The website is encountering problems. (Tried Yahoo.com and Google.com)
-the might be a typing error in the address.
What you can try:
-Diagnose connection problems (link)
I click on the above link, and a window opens -
Network Diagnostics for Windows XP
You must be an administrator to run Network Diagnostics. Please log off, log on as an administrator, and then run Network Diagnostics again.

e. Start, control panel, User Accounts shows only the Guest account
f. Start, control panel, Network connections - get this message:
The Network Connections folder was unable to retrieve the list of Network adaptors on your machine. Please make sure that the Network Connections service is enabled and running.

g. Of course I'd like to fix the above, but it is very frustrating not having Admin rights. How can I get Admin rights on this problem laptop?
Is it possible to fix this? I am willing to do anything. Would a reinstall of XP help? Or is a complete reformat of the Hard drive necessary?

Happy Holidays to All, Angel

[Beaver]

I am simply not able to understand how it's possible to destroy admin rights on laptop by changing the wireless settings in the router Did you ever had some non-Guest account on the problem laptop ?

[angelcatz]

I did not destroy the admin rights yesterday.

I bought the laptop over a year ago with only a Guest account. I have not had any issues with the laptop until yesterday. Guess I never came across any situation that needed to use the admin account before.

My T41 is no longer wireless, which I need it for.

So will a reinstall of XP give me access to the admin account? Or will a reformat? Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

[RealBlackStuff]

A reinstall will probably do it, a fresh install definitely.

But before you do that, look at this: http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_get_adminis ... ws_xp.html
and also at the related links a bit down.

[angelcatz]

OK, I am serious about a re-install or a fresh install.
Is there a How To guide?

What do I lose if I do each one?
What about all the IBM thinkpad stuff?
What about the thinkpad drivers?
I need to know of the consequenses of each one?

I am in awe of your knowledge and willingness to share with me.

[scr71822]

The admin account has to exist on the system. Change the settings in control panel so you can log on with the user account Administrator hopefully is has no password

Start > Settings > Control Panel > User Accounts > Unckeck the box Use Welcome Screen

Log Off and see if you can log on as administrator

[craigmontHunter]

boot safe mode, press ctrl-alt delete twice, before logging in. You should be able to type on "Administrator", and if there is no password, log in. If there is a password, I would back up my stuff and log out. I don't think a guest account can control how users log in.

good luck