Yesterday [1] I was given the previous sysadmin's computer, running Windows XP Professional. Well, I'm given to understand that there are some support issues that require the use of Windows (cough frontpage cough) and it's not like this is new to me; so instead of using X-Windows [2] to prop open a dozen xterms I use Windows to prop open a dozen putty.exes [3].
So when I sat down to use M's (the previous sysadmin) former computer she was already logged in. I did briefly think about changing her password just prior to leaving yesterday, but not knowing how to actually go about changing the password, I figured I could leave it until today. I'll just leave myself logged in and everything should be okay. Right?
Right?
You do see where this is going, right?
Today, I sat down in front of the computer, and right there was the Windows XP login window, asking me for M's password.
Sigh.
And none of the adminstrative passwords I've been given over the past few days worked. C couldn't even log in.
As I left the office tonight (the cubicle isn't nearly as depressive looking now that I've cleaned it up—now it has this Zen emptiness going for it) the XP installation CD (Compact Disc) was reformatting the harddrive (a different one—M's machine had important files on it and an XP reinstall is always destructive it seems—also, note to self: check to see if the cover is already off a computer before blindly removing screws out the back).
I've also learned the depths of my loathing of web-based adminstration. Of course you [the web-based administration program] couldn't create a sub-site—this computer doesn't have DNS (Domain Name Service) on it you XXXXXXX piece of XXXX! Now create the sub-site! Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrgggggllll!
Fortunely, I didn't have to deal with the phone all that much today.
[3] http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html