A Compaq computer/windows 200/windows xp professional question?

I was given a compaque pentium 3 computer that gives me the choice to run windows 2000, or windows xp professional when I boot up. If I choose to run windows 2000, it tells me that the system32 files are corrupt, and tells me to start by inserting the system sisk into the cd rom, and choose the repair option(I dont have the disk). If I choose windows xp professional, it prompts me for a password which I do not have. What are my options?

A Compaq computer/windows 200/windows xp professional question?hp

It sounds like the person installed xp, but did not uninstall 2000 right. Try booting up in safe mode (F8 when starting). If that does not work go into BIOS, and on some computers ive worked on it has something with a master password. If none of these options work, you might have to do a full system recovery (reformat). If you have to do that press F10 when starting up.

Hope this helps.

A Compaq computer/windows 200/windows xp professional question?mcaffee

reformat the hdd and put windows on any of your choice or see if the person that gave it to you has the cd to one of them and the product key.if not but the windows that you want.
You could try going into safe mode for the xp pro install (F8). You might then be able to reset the password by logging on as Administrator if no password has been set which is sometimes the case for this account. Other option would be to format and start again.

Regards EDD
reformat and reinstall. Go buy a copy of XP and you'll be all set to go.
If you were given it by someone you know, then ask if they know the password. Otherwise you will need to purchase a copy of Windows XP and re-install it. You may need the full version. It depends on how much of 2000 is on the computer.
for windows xp to get the password you can use 'ERD commander' you can search for it at www.phazeddl.com, you can burn it onto cd and boot it from it, or just reinstall windows and that's all..