Login

[John Persico]

I have XP Home Edition SP2.
My computer always started and went directly to my desktop.
Now, I have to click my username to get to the desktop. I
noticed this after I installed an HP printer (I don't see
how that could have changed anything). Any reason why it's
doing this? I want the computer to go right to my desktop
and bypass the user login. There's only one user. I don't
even have a Quest account enabled.

 

[John Persico]

Pertaining to my last post...
I just noticed that there's another account on my machine
called ASP.NET Machine A...
That account was NOT there before I installed the HP
printer. Also, it doesn't show up on the welcome screen.
It's a limited account that's password protected. Any idea
what this account's for and what created it? Did the HP
printer software create it?

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Actually, it's happened because you installed the .net framework, an
optional update. The asp.net account can safely be deleted, as I'm sure you
will not be making use of it. As to the logon issue, click start/run, type
"control userpasswords2" (without the quotes) and click ok. In the user
list, click on the user that you want to be the default. Uncheck the box
requiring a username and password, click apply/ok and follow the prompts to
set up a default logon.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Sharon F]

I have XP Home Edition SP2.
My computer always started and went directly to my desktop.
Now, I have to click my username to get to the desktop. I
noticed this after I installed an HP printer (I don't see
how that could have changed anything). Any reason why it's
doing this? I want the computer to go right to my desktop
and bypass the user login. There's only one user. I don't
even have a Quest account enabled.

..NET Framework is a Microsoft component that is required by some programs.
There are several versions available now and it's possible to have all of
them installed and even running concurrently - each accommodating different
programs.

Yes, it's possible installing the HP printer drivers/software could have
added this to your system. The interface for printer settings or some other
portion of the HP software for the printer apparently requires it.

When .NET Framework was first released and installed, users that were used
to the autologon behavior (going straight to the desktop, no welcome
screen) were surprised by a stop at the welcome screen. The stop is due to
the addition of the account that the .NET Framework operates under.

There are workarounds to restoring an autologon. However I recommend first
going to Windows Update and getting any patches/updates for the version of
..NET framework that was installed. Reason: The last time I restored an XP
system and updated .NET framework before re-establishing automatic logon, I
noticed that the stop at the welcome screen didn't occur after the updates
were applied. Maybe the same thing will happen for you.

Restart the system at least once in addition to any restarts required by
the update/patch. If at that time you still need to setup, you can do so by
clicking Start> Run> and type in
control userpasswords2

On the screen that appears, click on your account so that it is
highlighted. Then uncheck the box requiring users to enter
username/password for logon. In the next window, your user name should
already appear. If it doesn't, type it in. Leave the password field blank.
Then click OK. On the next restart, autologon should be in effect.

 

[Nepatsfan]

Pertaining to my last post...
I just noticed that there's another account on my machine
called ASP.NET Machine A...
That account was NOT there before I installed the HP
printer. Also, it doesn't show up on the welcome screen.
It's a limited account that's password protected. Any idea
what this account's for and what created it? Did the HP
printer software create it?

Here's the answer to your first question:

Go to Start -> Run.
Copy and paste the following into the Open box:

control userpasswords2

Click OK.
Uncheck "Users must enter a user name and password to use this
computer".
In the box that pops up, replace Administrator in the "User
Name" box with your user account. Enter your password twice.
Note: You can leave the password box blank if your account does
not have a password.
Click OK twice and reboot to see if you get the desired
results.

As, for your second question, the HP software probably required
the Microsoft .NET Framework be installed in order for it to
work properly. That would account for the ASP.NET Machine
account as well as the changes made to your logon procedure.
Take a look here for more info:

What is the ASP.NET Machine Account?
http://www.mvps.org/marksxp/WindowsXP/aspdot.php

Nepatsfan

 

[Herman Naron]

I have a slightly different problem relating to login. I have Windows XP
Home, SP2, with latest updates (as of earlier today). I have just
reinstalled Windows XP, and almost have it set up. I used TweakUI and
attempted to skip the login screen, the first boot after the change the
system booted skipping the login screen, as disired. The next time the
login screen came up and the "instructions to click the username" displayed.
But there is no username displayed. The only option is to "Turn Off
Computer". Is there anyway that I can get past the login screen, and save
all of my work in reinstalling and setting up the system? Please tell me yes
(and give me the instructions).

Thanks,