How do I boot to my Desktop instead of the Windows XP login screen

[Guest]

Suddenly, when I re-boot, I am brought to the Windows XP login screen,
prompting for A User or Guest, instead of going directly to my desktop,
which is the option I prefer, and had until recently. I cannot figure out
how to change the default. Any help greatly appreciated

 

[Dudley Henriques]

I just finished posting the same question on the update newsgroup. I have
the same problem after a reinstall of XP and updating it.
I solved the problem finding a "tip" on google. The tip said to seect
RUN/and type in 'control passwords2' and then give yourself a password in
the dialog box that comes up. This was the only way I could get rid of that
screen. Doing it in control panel didn't work for me. I still don't
understand why this has happened. Someone has suggested it has something to
do with a downoaded "net" something or other in the windows updates. Perhaps
someone will be kind enough to explain it for both of us
Dudley

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

The installation of the .Net framework breaks the autologon when there's only one user account with no password. I believe SP1 for the .Net framework fixes this issue, but can't verify it. All users on my computers have passwords.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Click Start, Run and enter CONTROL USERPASSWORDS2
Highlight the user account you want logged on automatically
Uncheck Users must enter a username...........
Click Apply.
In the next dialog, enter the password for the user account you selected earlier, if any.
OK your way out.

 

[Dudley Henriques]

Thanks Doug;
I got myself into deep trouble this afternoon after I posted this, and have
just now finished a complete reinstall of XP and all programs.
I had two accounts showing in that dialog box and deleted one. Bad move!!
Windows threw me a blank sign on during the next restart and there was no
way to get past it since no account was showing.
I tried the repair first, but that didn't work, so I reinstalled.
The funny thing is that with this fresh install, I'm not getting the sign on
window and everything defaults normally through to the desktop. No sign
on...no password....no nothing. Everything is fine.
Go figure!!
I know one thing. I'll NEVER AGAIN delete an account in a dialog window!!!

Dudley
Click Start, Run and enter CONTROL USERPASSWORDS2
Highlight the user account you want logged on automatically
Uncheck Users must enter a username...........
Click Apply.
In the next dialog, enter the password for the user account you selected
earlier, if any.
OK your way out.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

As long as you haven't applied the .Net framework installation, XP will behave as it originally did. One user (besides the built in Administrator) with no password, will automatically be logged on.

 

[Dudley Henriques]

Doug; how can I check to see if the net framework is installed?
I've installed SP2 and all the updates asked for as of yesterday. Should I
assume it's in there because I have two accounts showing; one says
'administrator' the other says Dudley Henriques.
D
As long as you haven't applied the .Net framework installation, XP will
behave as it originally did. One user (besides the built in Administrator)
with no password, will automatically be logged on.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
Display\Security
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

No, those are just normal user accounts. When you go to Start, Run and enter CONTROL USERPASSWORDS2, if you have the .NET Framework installed, you'll see an ASPNET account listed, as well.

 

[Dudley Henriques]

Ok. That's not listed. Thanks.
D
No, those are just normal user accounts. When you go to Start, Run and
enter CONTROL USERPASSWORDS2, if you have the .NET Framework installed,
you'll see an ASPNET account listed, as well.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
Display\Security
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com