This time around, the user (admin) password is only 4 characters, no spaces/special, root is 8 characters no spaces/special. I am banging my head against the wall on this one.

same error as before, wont let me log in to the initial setup http://hda
I am able to log in via putty fine using the same user/pass.
I also tried to log on with the root pass, no joy...any ideas?

correct I know the password is right, I can login with putty using the same pass. I followed the install video. this is the 64bit express disk. all default settings, one HDD. I am installing again and creating a root pass this time, thinking maybe I can logon as root if the user still wont let me in.

I'm having the same problem, I have installed from the DVD and I also cannot log onto the hda web interface, but I am able to login to ssh via putty and WinSCP http://hda pulls up in my browser, but tells me I have invalid username or password. I have tried on 3 different machines as well as Firefox...