- Sometimes login problems are actually issues that are easy to fix. Before delving into more complex possibilities, make sure that you are using the right password and spelling it correctly. Also, check to make sure the "Caps Lock" isn't on. Most passwords are case sensitive, including passwords for Windows 2000, so if "Caps Lock" is on the password will be typed incorrectly. There will be a light on the upper right corner of Windows-based machines, indicating if the "Caps Lock" feature is on. If this light is on, press the "Caps Lock" key on the keyboard to turn it off and try typing the password again.
- When the system boots up, it is possible that the prompt to enter your username and password will fail to appear. If this happens, you will have no way of logging into the Windows 2000 system. This is, more than likely, due to a problem that occurred while the system was booting up. To fix it, you will need to power your system back down manually. This can be done on most computers by holding the power button down for several seconds. You will not be able to see the computer turning off, but you should be able to hear it power down. Once the computer is off, wait a minute or two and then power it back on. If it boots up properly, you should get a prompt.
- If the Windows prompt comes up and allows you to log in, but then immediately logs you back out of the system, this is probably due to a virus or corrupted file in your registry. To correct the issue, the virus or bad file will need to be deleted. Both viruses and corrupt files can be found by doing a scan of your system. If you have an anti-virus software installed on your system, you can run a scan through that program. If not, you will need to download a registry-cleaning software, such as Ace Utilities or Registry Mechanic. Most anti-virus softwares and registry cleaners have a one-button scan process. When you run the scan, the software will look for bad files or viruses throughout your system and delete them for you.