Windows XP user account problems

[Kya]

I am aware that I'm new to this forum and if there is already a similar topic or posted in the wrong forum, etc., my apologizes.

You see I'm having an extremely difficult and awkward problem with WINDOWS XP. I have no computer administator. Yes, that's right. I don't have one. I don't know how to fix the problem. (XP is a nightmare, I would never recommend it) Originally, there are 2 accounts on my computer, my own, and my parents. I had a limited and they had the administrative. I'm part of a few other boards and so on, and I tend to download a lot of software but a limited account does not enable me to install. I had gotten in the habit you could say of logging in my parent's account, making myself an administrator, doing whatever it was that I needed done and then switching back. Only this time today while I was switching back it didn't exactly turn out right. It is "suppose" to be impossible for a computer admin to make themselves "limited" but when I logged back in to double check, both my account and my parents' account are Limited User Accounts. Therefore, I have NO COMPUTER ADMINISTRATOR!

No considering the circumstances in which I usually do all the switching in secret, it would be very lovely if someone would take the time to please help me solve my problem.

I'd greatly appreciate it, Thank you.

~Kya

 

[superdave1984]

XP creates aa Administrator account by default called Administrator. It doesn't show up under control panel though. It SHOULD show up in computer management though. Try at the login screen hitting ctrl+alt+del twice. Then change the user name to Administrator and enter the password. Then you are logged in as Administrator not you or your parents. You can then make the changes. Now, if you don't know the password, you have other problems.

 

[Kya]

It won't let me long in under an administrator. Ironically enough when I followed your instructions and I went to switch the name to administrator, I didn't know the password. I decided to click Ok anyway but a pop up told me that I couldn't log in as administrator due to my account settings. *sigh* Grr...how hard is this?

Well I decided to go to Computer Management but I can't find another about Default Administors or user accounts. I looked under services and even did a search in it for Default Administration but nothing. -.-

 

[notartard]

Hey Kya

I'm new to this, so hopefully what I'm about to do will not get me banned. I think I found the solution on the web to your problem in logging in as admin by resetting your password.

Here are the steps



1. Place your Windows XP CD in your cd-rom and start your computer (it’s assumed here that your XP CD is bootable – as it should be - and that you have your bios set to boot from CD)

2. Keep your eye on the screen messages for booting to your cd Typically, it will be “Press any key to boot from cd”

3. Once you get in, the first screen will indicate that Setup is inspecting your system and loading files.

4. When you get to the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to Setup Windows now

5. The Licensing Agreement comes next - Press F8 to accept it.

6. The next screen is the Setup screen which gives you the option to do a Repair.

It should read something like “If one of the following Windows XP installations is damaged, Setup can try to repair it”

Use the up and down arrow keys to select your XP installation (if you only have one, it should already be selected) and press R to begin the Repair process.

7. Let the Repair run. Setup will now check your disks and then start copying files which can take several minutes.

8. Shortly after the Copying Files stage, you will be required to reboot. (this will happen automatically – you will see a progress bar stating “Your computer will reboot in 15 seconds”

9. During the reboot, do not make the mistake of “pressing any key” to boot from the CD again! Setup will resume automatically with the standard billboard screens and you will notice Installing Windows is highlighted.

10. Keep your eye on the lower left hand side of the screen and when you see the Installing Devices progress bar, press SHIFT + F10. This is the security hole! A command console will now open up giving you the potential for wide access to your system.

11. At the prompt, type NUSRMGR.CPL and press Enter. Voila! You have just gained graphical access to your User Accounts in the Control Panel.

12. Now simply pick the account you need to change and remove or change your password as you prefer. If you want to log on without having to enter your new password, you can type control userpasswords2 at the prompt and choose to log on without being asked for password. After youÂ’ve made your changes close the windows, exit the command box and continue on with the Repair (have your Product key handy).

13. Once the Repair is done, you will be able to log on with your new password (or without a password if you chose not to use one or if you chose not to be asked for a password). Your programs and personalized settings should remain intact.