I've run into a strang predicament. I had the comp on, simply playing an Internet Radio station on WinAmp5, and turned around doing something non-computer related. Suddenly, the computer restarted, and took forever at the blue "Windows is starting up" screen. Then, there's the blue Welcome screen, which I had set to not show up. It's got my one user name on there, but when I click to log in, there's a password box. I don't have a password, specifically did not set one. Whether I try random possible passwords or leave the box blank, clicking the log-on arrow takes me to a black screen with a single error message:
"Logon Message
The system cannot log you on now because the domain <Computer's Network Name> is not available."
The name it shows as the "domain name" is the name I gave my computer when I set up my two-comp LAN. I never set up any "domain" or indeed did not name it the same as my computer. Also, the problem computer is the main comp, while the secondary comp has suffered nothing. Main comp is XP Home SP2, secondary is 98SE.
I tried Safe Mode... It had the Administrator user name there, wielding the same results.
I tried using an NTFS Reader bootable floppy. My harddrive seems to be perfectly fine, and all my files were there and OK.
Now, this error happens regardless of what password I try to use, network cable setup, modem connected or not, doesn't matter, same error. It wont let me past the Log On screen. It's like the thing is saying it can't log into a non-existant network or something, I don't know.
I'd really, really appreciate any help offered. I don't have a WinXP installation disk (or one I could borrow), and the only nearby computer shop charges $120 for Windows reinstallation with data saving. I DO have a sort of 'restore disk' but it's the "for distribution with new <brand name> PCs only" kind and my comp has had a new mobo and video card put in, so I dunno if it will help any. I'd like to avoid reinstalling Windows if at all possible, especially in light of putting the data in danger.
"Logon Message
The system cannot log you on now because the domain <Computer's Network Name> is not available."
The name it shows as the "domain name" is the name I gave my computer when I set up my two-comp LAN. I never set up any "domain" or indeed did not name it the same as my computer. Also, the problem computer is the main comp, while the secondary comp has suffered nothing. Main comp is XP Home SP2, secondary is 98SE.
I tried Safe Mode... It had the Administrator user name there, wielding the same results.
I tried using an NTFS Reader bootable floppy. My harddrive seems to be perfectly fine, and all my files were there and OK.
Now, this error happens regardless of what password I try to use, network cable setup, modem connected or not, doesn't matter, same error. It wont let me past the Log On screen. It's like the thing is saying it can't log into a non-existant network or something, I don't know.
I'd really, really appreciate any help offered. I don't have a WinXP installation disk (or one I could borrow), and the only nearby computer shop charges $120 for Windows reinstallation with data saving. I DO have a sort of 'restore disk' but it's the "for distribution with new <brand name> PCs only" kind and my comp has had a new mobo and video card put in, so I dunno if it will help any. I'd like to avoid reinstalling Windows if at all possible, especially in light of putting the data in danger.
