Windows 7: Win 7 startup password - how to eliminate?

Please help eliminate the Windows7 startup password. I tried disenabling all but one Dell Support file in Startup tab in msconfig. Still comes up on screen after soft and hard boot. What else can I try?

This is what I do. Auto Log-On.pdf

I followed your directions in .PDF. I still get Startup Password window before Windows launches. Any other ideas? I tried taking a screen shot but didn't work. I can try to take a picture with phone camera. Would that help to see the window that comes up?

Go to Control Panel>User Accounts, click on your Account and Remove the Password.

Follow these steps to correctly Clean Up Factory Bloatware - Windows 7 Forums
which show how to safely achieve a Clean Boot in msconfig.

To use the Auto Log On as in my pdf, you must have a password for your account. If their are other users on the computer, it does not matter, just highlight the account you want to log on automatically with then untick the box, click ok then enter password x 2.

Just to clarify, Is it looking for a Windows Logon (account) password or a Computer BIOS password?

Yes I think a clear photo could help us understand what is generating the password prompt.

Just in case we need it can you please tell us your model number and if it's a desktop or laptop?

I don't know if its called a windows logon or computer bios password. Picture is attached. I was hacked into by two Indian guys saying that they were from Microsoft and rec'd msgs that my machine had an excess number of error and warning msgs. I let them in by using ammyy.com. I noticed they were running through files in DOS and then they locked me out with this startup password window, held me virtually hostage for about a half an hour, trying to get me to talk dirty to them. After pleading with them, they finally gave the password and I've been trying to get this password issue solved for a week now. I've backed up my hard drive and changed my password in my windows logon area. But can't solve this issue. Is it possibly in the system files or DOS code that they established or wrote in? I really don't need a lecture about hackers, believe me I feel very stupid and ashamed! I know better.

I have a Dell desktop 545S.

Stop. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.

You were hacked. You have no idea what they did. Do not waste time trying to change passwords, etc. Do a clean install of Windows ASAP.

In the future, give a complete history of what's going on with the computer. Had you done this in your first post, you would have received this type of recommendation immediately.

From the image shown, this could be the actual Dell security that was set to on on some systems, but can at times set itself to on without the user doing anything.

If this is the case then you will need to contact Dell, with various information, Proof of Purchase, ID Tag, Serial etc. When Dell have this information they will be able to generate the unique password for that particular laptop, and yes they are all unique. As far as I am aware, this is not a charge for this service, but they will not provide the password without the qualifying information. This is to prevent stolen units from being sold on ETC.

This is also something that is only available from Dell Direct, so it is not a good idea to trust this to your local shop/Technician