Loss of Administrator User

[Guest]

I am running Windows XP Home Edition and after taking a look through the BT
Broadband Desktop Help (and maybe a few side issues) I have found that when
switching on the PC I have had my screen replaced with the DELL Logo screen,
and I have very limited access as a guest user. I have tried alsorts to come
to terms with finding out how to gain acces to the Administrator account (to
try and restore to an earlier date), all without any success. After reading
some earlier responses to similar situations I have been into Safe Mode, but
can do nothing in there either. Can anyone offer some assistance please? Taa.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

The Administrator account exists in Windows XP Home Edition, but it does not
typically appear on the Welcome logon screen. In Windows XP Home Edition
the Administrator account is not displayed in User Accounts unless the
computer is in Safe mode. You have to boot into Safe Mode to access the
Administrator account in User Accounts.

Start | Settings | Control Panel | User Accounts

1. Click Start, click Turn Off Computer and then click Restart.
2. After the computer completes the Power On Self Test (POST), press F8, and
then click Safe mode

NOTE: If you have difficulty getting to the Safe mode menu command, press F8
repeatedly after you turn on the computer.

NOTE: If F8 does not work, use the System Configuration Tool Method to
access Safe Mode.

3. Log on as an Administrator or with another account that has
Administrator permissions.
4. Click Start, click Settings, click Control Panel and then click User
Accounts.
5. Click the Administrator icon.

To start the computer in safe mode
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/boot_failsafe.mspx

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the input Wes, but I have already tried that. When I get into Safe
Mode, I cannot access the Administrator account, it just does not appear when
I access User Account.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Peter,

Are you logging on with an account that has Administrator permissions??

The Administrator account is not displayed in User Accounts unless the
computer is in Safe mode. To change the password for the Administrator
account:

1. Click Start, click Turn Off Computer, and then click Restart.
2. After the computer completes the Power On Self Test (POST), press F8, and
then click Safe mode.
NOTE: If you have difficulty getting to the Safe mode menu command, press F8
repeatedly after you turn on the computer.
3. Log on as an Administrator, or with another account that has
Administrator permissions.
4. Click Start, click Settings, click Control Panel, and then click User
Accounts.
5. Click the Administrator icon.
6. Click Create a Password or Change my password.
7. Type a password for the account, and then retype the password to confirm
it.
8. Type a hint to help you remember the password in the event that you
forget it.
9. Click Create Password or Change Password.
from...
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290109

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Guest]

Hi Wes. I have two user accounts and have tried both without success. When I
try to access the Administrator account while in Safe Mode it is not shown.
Since writing to you I have tried altering the security settings in the
System Setup, and now I cannot even get into Safe Mode using F8 anymore. I
think I am digging a big hole into which I shall shortly fall!!

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Peter,

Maybe this will help.

This .vbs file allows you to choose having the Administrator appear on the
Welcome Screen.

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Read the instructions at the top.
5. Right hand side
Enable/Disable Administrator on Welcome Screen

adminwelcomescreen.vbs is the file.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Guest]

Thanks for that Wes - I don't think I shall explore that avenue since I am
"back to normal". I took advice from a BT Advisor and used my Windows disc to
effect a repair. I think I will leave well alone!! Cheers, Peter

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Keep having fun, Peter.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In