Laptop suddenly requires password for log in

If this is a virus, will the password re-set do me any good or should I try to get rid of the virus instead? I've been trying to re-boot from a disk, but I can't figure out how to do that. You can tell I am no computer whiz...

The password reset is only half the battle, if indeed you have a virus, as once you log back in you'll still need to safely remove it. It's certainly doable, once you have the password, as you can then log in via safe mode and scan the machine. Are you running any sort of antivirus?

Good grief. I may be in over my head. I purchased this lap top about 3 months ago for my college age son while his was in the shop (engineering major couldn't go without a lap top) so the anti-virus that was on it when we bought it may have expired. This weekend was the first time I was on it, so I have limited info - especially since I can log on!! I appreciate everyone's help and patience with me. Your giving me hope!

I downloaded a windows recovery disk so I'm about to burn the disc and see if it works. I may be taking it to someone next week!!

I guess I'll mark this as answered. Nothing worked, but I found the F11 key and reset the laptop to factory settings. I have made sure the anti-virus is on, and once again set NO passwords. Thank you all for your input. What a great bunch of folks on this forum!

Great, that's probably your best option in this case. Good job.

You might want to reconsider about using passwords.

Make a password for the account your are using and then make a second administrator account with a strong password that other family members can't guess. You will have a second way to access your computer in case the first password gets changed or corrupted.