Passwords and Internet Connection on Network

[Guest]

Hi all. I've set up a home network and am directly connected to a HomePortal
router via ethernet cable. I'm running XP SP2 (firewall disabled). I
connect to the web via DSL. The internet connection is shared with my
landlord, so we are both on the same network but with different PCs. Here's
my problem:

Logged on as the administrator on my PC (I'm the only user for this PC), I
can connect to the web as long as there's no password on the administrator
account. If I add a password to the administrator account, I cannot connect
to the web. All of the network connections look fine (no errors).

My questions are: Is there a work around for this? If not, how vulnerable
is my PC to someone else being able to look at my files, etc.? My sensitive
stuff (banking, etc.) is password protected at the program level. I'm just
kind of worried about what's visible/available if there's no password on the
administrator account.

Thank you for your time and help.
Brent

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Hi all. I've set up a home network and am directly connected to a HomePortal
router via ethernet cable. I'm running XP SP2 (firewall disabled). I
connect to the web via DSL. The internet connection is shared with my
landlord, so we are both on the same network but with different PCs. Here's
my problem:

Logged on as the administrator on my PC (I'm the only user for this PC), I
can connect to the web as long as there's no password on the administrator
account. If I add a password to the administrator account, I cannot connect
to the web. All of the network connections look fine (no errors).

My questions are: Is there a work around for this? If not, how vulnerable
is my PC to someone else being able to look at my files, etc.? My sensitive
stuff (banking, etc.) is password protected at the program level. I'm just
kind of worried about what's visible/available if there's no password on the
administrator account.

Thank you for your time and help.
Brent

Having or not having a password on the Administrator account should
have no effect on Internet access.

How are you trying to connect to the web when there's a password?
What exactly happens when you do it? If there's an error message,
what does it say?

What is the result of each of these lines typed in a command prompt
window (Start | Run | Cmd)?

ping 216.239.39.99
ping google.com
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

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