XP Pro - can't log in

I have a friend who has just phoned in a panic.
He has an ex-company laptop which was linked to a domain, and he logged in (ctl/alt/delete and then userid and password to domain).
He changed the settings from a domain to a workgroup, and the laptop restarted.
All attempts to log in have failed because (I assume) the userid/password are related to the domain not the workgroup.
I had him try safe mode, and also to go back to last known good state, but in both cases when it starts up it still asks for userid/password.
He does not have any XP CDs, and the company are no more - so can't get the admin password.
Is there any way to get in behind to reset to domain.

Rannoch

Sorry but according to our TOS we can't help you with windows login problems because we don't know if you are authorized to use the computer.

No problem.
I have retrieved the data, and will install XP Pro. The laptop has a valid serial key on the base.

I've got the same problem - bought an ex company laptop - can't get in as it needs the password - haven't got a clue what the next step is to sort it out for use. Any advice would be welcome. It's all legit. Thanks

Again, because of our TOS we are still prohibited from providing information on how to crack passwords for anyone. This is for our protection. If we do we can be banned. Perhaps someone at a computer repair shop would be willing to help if you are able to prove that you are the owner. The thing is that you can't prove to us that you are the owner so we would just have to take you at your word and hope that this forum, one or more of it's members, and/or our parent company isn't sued or have criminal charges filed against them because of illegal actions (such as computer hacking) on the forum. All of the big forums undoubtedly have the same policy.

Load a new OS.

Ubuntu is free:

Ubuntu Home Page | Ubuntu