Administrator folder in Documents and Settings - XP Pro

[Janice]

I can only see one folder in Documents and Settings entitled "J.Mason" which
is the name I log on with. From what I read here, there is a default
Administrator account which is hidden.

However if there was an Administrator account, hidden or otherwise, would
there not also be a folder entitled "Administrator"?

Janice

 

[Roger Abell]

The profile folder is created when the account is
used the first time. Not having the folder would
indicate no one has ever logged in with the account.

 

[Janice]

Thanks

I tried to log in using Administrator by pressing Ctrl/Alt/Del and then
typing Administrator. It asked me to check my user name and/or password. I
have never been given a pssword - XP pro was installed and set up by the
shop I bought it from.

Janice

 

[Shootist]

If you are using XP Home you have to boot into safe mode to access the built in administrator
account. If you have not done this and have not give the built in Admin account a password I would
suggest you do. If you don't give the built in Admin account a password any 1 with physical access
to your PC can boot to safe mode and logon to the Admin account and read your data.

--
Shootist


| Thanks
|
| I tried to log in using Administrator by pressing Ctrl/Alt/Del and then
| typing Administrator. It asked me to check my user name and/or password. I
| have never been given a pssword - XP pro was installed and set up by the
| shop I bought it from.
|
| Janice
|
|
| | > The profile folder is created when the account is
| > used the first time. Not having the folder would
| > indicate no one has ever logged in with the account.
| >
| > --
| > Roger Abell
| > Microsoft MVP (Windows, Security)
| > MCSE (W2k3,W2k,Nt4) MCDBA
| > | > > I can only see one folder in Documents and Settings entitled "J.Mason"
| > which
| > > is the name I log on with. From what I read here, there is a default
| > > Administrator account which is hidden.
| > >
| > > However if there was an Administrator account, hidden or otherwise,
| would
| > > there not also be a folder entitled "Administrator"?
| > >
| > > Janice
| > >
| > >
| >
| >
|
|

 

[Janice]

As I said, I am using XP pro.

Janice

 

[Shootist]

OK your post subject was to long for my subject column so I didn't see the -XP Pro. Hit the
Ctrl+Alt+Delete key twice. Or you can get Tweakui and include it on the logon welcome screen.


--
Shootist


| As I said, I am using XP pro.
|
| Janice
|
|
| | > If you are using XP Home you have to boot into safe mode to access the
| built in administrator
| > account. If you have not done this and have not give the built in Admin
| account a password I would
| > suggest you do. If you don't give the built in Admin account a password
| any 1 with physical access
| > to your PC can boot to safe mode and logon to the Admin account and read
| your data.
| >
| > --
| > Shootist
| >
| >
| | > | Thanks
| > |
| > | I tried to log in using Administrator by pressing Ctrl/Alt/Del and then
| > | typing Administrator. It asked me to check my user name and/or password.
| I
| > | have never been given a pssword - XP pro was installed and set up by the
| > | shop I bought it from.
| > |
| > | Janice
| > |
| > |
| > | | > | > The profile folder is created when the account is
| > | > used the first time. Not having the folder would
| > | > indicate no one has ever logged in with the account.
| > | >
| > | > --
| > | > Roger Abell
| > | > Microsoft MVP (Windows, Security)
| > | > MCSE (W2k3,W2k,Nt4) MCDBA
| > | > | > | > > I can only see one folder in Documents and Settings entitled
| "J.Mason"
| > | > which
| > | > > is the name I log on with. From what I read here, there is a default
| > | > > Administrator account which is hidden.
| > | > >
| > | > > However if there was an Administrator account, hidden or otherwise,
| > | would
| > | > > there not also be a folder entitled "Administrator"?
| > | > >
| > | > > Janice
| > | > >
| > | > >
| > | >
| > | >
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
|
|

 

[Janice]

Shootist,

Many thanks for trying to help but did you actually read my post? As I
said,I have already tried the Ctrl/Alt/Del method and was asked to check my
user name and password. As XP pro was preinstalled and I was never given a
password for the Administrator account I wondered what I should do next.

Janice

 

[Shootist]

Janice this is your OP.

I can only see one folder in Documents and Settings entitled "J.Mason" which
is the name I log on with. From what I read here, there is a default
Administrator account which is hidden.

However if there was an Administrator account, hidden or otherwise, would
there not also be a folder entitled "Administrator"?

Janice

If there is not a Administrator folder in "%system root%\Documents & Settings" then the built in
administartor account has never been logged on to or a password set for it. What happens when you do
the double Ctrl+Alt+Delete? Do you get the window to type in a user name and password? Have you
typed "Administrator" with a capitol "A" and left the password field blank?? Just trying to help.
Last option is to save (backup) all your data. and wipe the HDD and reinstall. If you didn't get a
XP CD with your PC then call the person/company that built your PC and demand 1.

 

[Shootist]

Also Janice do you have show all files checked or Hide system files and folders unchecked in the
folder options/view settings

 

[Janice]

If there is not a Administrator folder in "%system root%\Documents & Settings" then the built in
administartor account has never been logged on to or a password set for it. What happens when you do
the double Ctrl+Alt+Delete? Do you get the window to type in a user name and password? Have you
typed "Administrator" with a capitol "A" and left the password field

blank?? Just trying to help

When I do the double Ctrl/Alt/Del I do get the window to type in a user name
and password. I typed in "Administrator" with capital A. I got "check your
user name and password"

Last option is to save (backup) all your data. and wipe the HDD and reinstall. If you didn't get a
XP CD with your PC then call the person/company that built your PC and

demand 1.

I do have an XP CD. However it's not that serious as to involve a reinstal.
The J.Mason user has full computer administrator rights. My reason for
needing the Administrator log on is to fix a problem I'm having with IE in
the J.Mason user. I can create another user and try to fix my IE problem
from there.

Janice

 

[Shootist]

Just for laughs try it with a small "a" !!! I'm lost, never heard of this happening. Have you check
your system for hijacks/Trojans. Hope everything works out.

--
Shootist


|
| |
|
| > If there is not a Administrator folder in "%system root%\Documents &
| Settings" then the built in
| > administartor account has never been logged on to or a password set for
| it. What happens when you do
| > the double Ctrl+Alt+Delete? Do you get the window to type in a user name
| and password? Have you
| > typed "Administrator" with a capitol "A" and left the password field
| blank?? Just trying to help
|
| When I do the double Ctrl/Alt/Del I do get the window to type in a user name
| and password. I typed in "Administrator" with capital A. I got "check your
| user name and password"
|
|
|
| > Last option is to save (backup) all your data. and wipe the HDD and
| reinstall. If you didn't get a
| > XP CD with your PC then call the person/company that built your PC and
| demand 1.
|
| I do have an XP CD. However it's not that serious as to involve a reinstal.
| The J.Mason user has full computer administrator rights. My reason for
| needing the Administrator log on is to fix a problem I'm having with IE in
| the J.Mason user. I can create another user and try to fix my IE problem
| from there.
|
| Janice
|
|

 

[Janice]

I did try with a small "a" as well. I will check with my PC supplier just in
case they set up a password.

System fully checked for hijacks/spyware - all clean.

Thanks for your help anyway.

Janice

 

[Charles May]

Janice,
Two things you can try to see if the Administrator account exists is to
1. Boot into safe mode, the Administrator account (if exists) will show up
on the Safe Mode welcome screen.
2. Install TweakUI for XP and Select the Logon item. If there is an
Administrator account, you will see a setting called:
Show "Administrator" on Welcome screen.
At this point, you can check the box so that it will appear on a normal
bootup.

Hope this helps

Charlie

 

[Shootist]

Do you have TweakUI on this box. You can put the Admin account on the welcome user page that shows
when you start the PC. I'm just wondering why you can't get to the built in Administrator account.
Oh well have a nice day. And you are welcome, sorry I couldn't help.


--
Shootist


| I did try with a small "a" as well. I will check with my PC supplier just in
| case they set up a password.
|
| System fully checked for hijacks/spyware - all clean.
|
| Thanks for your help anyway.
|
| Janice
|
|
| | > Just for laughs try it with a small "a" !!! I'm lost, never heard of this
| happening. Have you check
| > your system for hijacks/Trojans. Hope everything works out.
| >
| > --
| > Shootist
| >
| >
| | > |
| > | | > |
| > |
| > | > If there is not a Administrator folder in "%system root%\Documents &
| > | Settings" then the built in
| > | > administartor account has never been logged on to or a password set
| for
| > | it. What happens when you do
| > | > the double Ctrl+Alt+Delete? Do you get the window to type in a user
| name
| > | and password? Have you
| > | > typed "Administrator" with a capitol "A" and left the password field
| > | blank?? Just trying to help
| > |
| > | When I do the double Ctrl/Alt/Del I do get the window to type in a user
| name
| > | and password. I typed in "Administrator" with capital A. I got "check
| your
| > | user name and password"
| > |
| > |
| > |
| > | > Last option is to save (backup) all your data. and wipe the HDD and
| > | reinstall. If you didn't get a
| > | > XP CD with your PC then call the person/company that built your PC and
| > | demand 1.
| > |
| > | I do have an XP CD. However it's not that serious as to involve a
| reinstal.
| > | The J.Mason user has full computer administrator rights. My reason for
| > | needing the Administrator log on is to fix a problem I'm having with IE
| in
| > | the J.Mason user. I can create another user and try to fix my IE problem
| > | from there.
| > |
| > | Janice
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
|
|

 

[Shootist]

After reading Charles response I have a idea. You renamed the built in Administrator account some
how to be your user account. I'm not sure if that is possible but it seems like the only answer.


--
Shootist


| Janice,
| Two things you can try to see if the Administrator account exists is to
| 1. Boot into safe mode, the Administrator account (if exists) will show up
| on the Safe Mode welcome screen.
| 2. Install TweakUI for XP and Select the Logon item. If there is an
| Administrator account, you will see a setting called:
| Show "Administrator" on Welcome screen.
| At this point, you can check the box so that it will appear on a normal
| bootup.
|
| Hope this helps
|
| Charlie
|
|
| | >
| > | >
| >
| > > If there is not a Administrator folder in "%system root%\Documents &
| > Settings" then the built in
| > > administartor account has never been logged on to or a password set for
| > it. What happens when you do
| > > the double Ctrl+Alt+Delete? Do you get the window to type in a user name
| > and password? Have you
| > > typed "Administrator" with a capitol "A" and left the password field
| > blank?? Just trying to help
| >
| > When I do the double Ctrl/Alt/Del I do get the window to type in a user
| name
| > and password. I typed in "Administrator" with capital A. I got "check your
| > user name and password"
| >
| >
| >
| > > Last option is to save (backup) all your data. and wipe the HDD and
| > reinstall. If you didn't get a
| > > XP CD with your PC then call the person/company that built your PC and
| > demand 1.
| >
| > I do have an XP CD. However it's not that serious as to involve a
| reinstal.
| > The J.Mason user has full computer administrator rights. My reason for
| > needing the Administrator log on is to fix a problem I'm having with IE in
| > the J.Mason user. I can create another user and try to fix my IE problem
| > from there.
| >
| > Janice
| >
| >
|
|

 

[Mark]

Go to the RUN command and type in "control userpasswords2" without the
quotes.This will show you a box with all the user accounts on your
computer.

 

[Janice]

I found a little program that allows me to toggle between showing/not
showing the Administrator account on the Welcome screen.

There is indeed an Administrator account ( not my user account ) which is,
apparently, password protected. This is obviously the reason that I couldn't
log in when using Ctrl/Alt/Del. As the shop never bothered telling me of
such a password I had left the password box blank when trying to log on. I
will phone the shop tomorrow and ask for my password and why they never
thought to tell me! Now that it is available on the Welcome screen I have
noticed that I can go in via User Accounts and set up a new password - any
problem in doing this?

Thank you Charlie and Shootist for pointing me in the right direction.

Janice

 

[Roger Abell]

The Administrator account can have had a password set without
it ever having been logged into
During login, only the passwords are case sensitive, so it does
not matter if one uses A or a when typing in adminstrator

 

[Roger Abell]

In that case it would seem you need to review docs that
came with your system or call them, as there is a password
(if leaving it blank did not work) but you do not know it.
There are tools to zap the password to something known,
but I would suggest first trying the obvious as first mentioned.

 

[Shootist]

When you are changing a password you need to know the original password. Other wise anyone could
logon to your PC and change all the passwords. Locking you out of the PC and not giving you any
security.

--
Shootist


| I found a little program that allows me to toggle between showing/not
| showing the Administrator account on the Welcome screen.
|
| There is indeed an Administrator account ( not my user account ) which is,
| apparently, password protected. This is obviously the reason that I couldn't
| log in when using Ctrl/Alt/Del. As the shop never bothered telling me of
| such a password I had left the password box blank when trying to log on. I
| will phone the shop tomorrow and ask for my password and why they never
| thought to tell me! Now that it is available on the Welcome screen I have
| noticed that I can go in via User Accounts and set up a new password - any
| problem in doing this?
|
| Thank you Charlie and Shootist for pointing me in the right direction.
|
| Janice
|
|
| | > After reading Charles response I have a idea. You renamed the built in
| Administrator account some
| > how to be your user account. I'm not sure if that is possible but it seems
| like the only answer.
| >
| >
| > --
| > Shootist
| >
| >
| | > | Janice,
| > | Two things you can try to see if the Administrator account exists is to
| > | 1. Boot into safe mode, the Administrator account (if exists) will show
| up
| > | on the Safe Mode welcome screen.
| > | 2. Install TweakUI for XP and Select the Logon item. If there is an
| > | Administrator account, you will see a setting called:
| > | Show "Administrator" on Welcome screen.
| > | At this point, you can check the box so that it will appear on a normal
| > | bootup.
| > |
| > | Hope this helps
| > |
| > | Charlie
| > |
| > |
| > | | > | >
| > | > | > | >
| > | >
| > | > > If there is not a Administrator folder in "%system root%\Documents &
| > | > Settings" then the built in
| > | > > administartor account has never been logged on to or a password set
| for
| > | > it. What happens when you do
| > | > > the double Ctrl+Alt+Delete? Do you get the window to type in a user
| name
| > | > and password? Have you
| > | > > typed "Administrator" with a capitol "A" and left the password field
| > | > blank?? Just trying to help
| > | >
| > | > When I do the double Ctrl/Alt/Del I do get the window to type in a
| user
| > | name
| > | > and password. I typed in "Administrator" with capital A. I got "check
| your
| > | > user name and password"
| > | >
| > | >
| > | >
| > | > > Last option is to save (backup) all your data. and wipe the HDD and
| > | > reinstall. If you didn't get a
| > | > > XP CD with your PC then call the person/company that built your PC
| and
| > | > demand 1.
| > | >
| > | > I do have an XP CD. However it's not that serious as to involve a
| > | reinstal.
| > | > The J.Mason user has full computer administrator rights. My reason for
| > | > needing the Administrator log on is to fix a problem I'm having with
| IE in
| > | > the J.Mason user. I can create another user and try to fix my IE
| problem
| > | > from there.
| > | >
| > | > Janice
| > | >
| > | >
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
|
|