Log on issue

[Skip Bisconer]

I am trying to clean up my wife’s computer to give to our grand-daughters. I
have deleted all the usernames that were there when my wife used the computer
and created usernames for both my grand children. The problem I ‘m having is
when I boot up it still is pulling up my wife’s log on screen and password
saying it “Can’t log on using the username/password†showing the sign on
username box disabled. When I respond to the halt it then opens to the kid’s
username. I can’t figure out where this is coming from. Any help would be
appreciated.

 

[JS]

You should be concerned that someone possibly a friend
of your Grand-daughter may gain access to
any sensitive data files that may be on the hard drive.
Yes you can delete them but someone with the tools
and skill can easily recover the data.

In which case you should run a special disk wipe software package
(see below) to delete and wipe any traces of the files.

Eraser: http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/
Also see: http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Best/dod-erase-free.html

Note: Use the DOD method (at least 7 passes) for 'Unused/Free' space,
Make absolutely certain that you have selected the correct Windows drive
letter!!!
If the PC has a Restore Partition you don't want to wipe it clean.

Next thing you should consider is to do a 'Clean Install' of Windows XP.
This assumes that you have all the media (CDs) that came with the PC.
Note that some manufactures may not provide a Windows XP install CD but have
a hidden recovery partition, in which case you need to read the
documentation.

If you have a Laptop: The Windows Key Code sticker should be on the bottom
of the laptop (you will need this to do the install).
If you have a Desktop the Key Code sticker may be on the side of the case or
with the CD Media
Note: make certain you have a 'Drivers' CD, if not go to the manufacturer's
web site and download all the drivers (Video, Sound, Network, Etc.).
If your PC came with a Windows XP CD then you can perform a clean install
per the info provided at the last part of this post.

Before you do the 'Clean Install' download and install the following
utility- Belarc Advisor: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
It does a good job of providing a wealth of information, including installed
software and their key codes and your PC's hardware configuration.

Again note: Make sure you have the drivers you need for your motherboard,
video card, sound card, Etc.

Now if you choose to do that clean install of Windows XP, here's how!!!
How to do a Clean Install of Windows XP:
Note: If You have a Windows XP CD:
Change the BIOS setting to Boot from CD drive first, then see below:
From Michael Steven's: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
more info: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/XPClean.htm
and: http://www.theeldergeek.com/clean_installation_of_windows_xp.htm
also: http://www.bootdisk.com/

If you are doing a Clean Install on an existing PC that has XP already
installed: Verify your CD or Sticker Key code matches what
Belarc Advisor reports for your existing install.

Note: OEM Windows (installed at the factory) installations usually have a
sticker located on the PC or laptop case and may not match the factory
installed key as reported by Belarc Advisor.
This is normal as the factory uses their own internal key code,
you need to use the code on the sticker.

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

I am trying to clean up my wife's computer to give to our grand-daughters.
I
have deleted all the usernames that were there when my wife used the
computer
and created usernames for both my grand children. The problem I 'm having
is
when I boot up it still is pulling up my wife's log on screen and password
saying it "Can't log on using the username/password" showing the sign on
username box disabled. When I respond to the halt it then opens to the kid's
username. I can't figure out where this is coming from. Any help would be
appreciated.

Type these two words into a Google search box:

control userpasswords2

open one of the references and follow the instructions to set a different
automatic logon account.

 

[Skip Bisconer]

Thanks for the advice. I had already used wipe clean on the drives so no
problem there and the Google search allowed me to solve the log on issue.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
--
Skip
Using Office 2003 Pro
2007 Student version

 

[Pegasus [MVP]]

Thanks for the advice. I had already used wipe clean on the drives so no
problem there and the Google search allowed me to solve the log on issue.
Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the feedback.