Super-admin access to XP Pro machine

[Walter Cohen]

When I built a new machine recently I installed Windows XP on it and
skipped the setup step of making an Admin account to use in emergencies. I
have only one user account which has admin authority. I then went back in
to create another user account with admin authority.

What I really want/need to do is have an account (hidden or not, doesn't
matter) that has super-admin authority such that I could 'see' the
files/folders of any user account on the machine.

Can I do this and how?

Thanks!
Walter

 

[Shenan Stanley]

When I built a new machine recently I installed Windows XP on it and
skipped the setup step of making an Admin account to use in
emergencies. I have only one user account which has admin authority.
I then went back in to create another user account with admin
authority.

What I really want/need to do is have an account (hidden or not,
doesn't matter) that has super-admin authority such that I could
'see' the files/folders of any user account on the machine.

Can I do this and how?

XP Home or Pro?
Are you logging in with "Administrator"? (As in that is ACTUALLY the
username you use?)

First - try this:
- Start --> Run
- Type in:
control userpasswords2
- Click OK
- Look at the list of users you really have.

Home - you can only use the actual administrator account in Safe Mode Boot
to safe mode and do so - likely the password is blank.
Professional - Press CTRL+ALT+DEL twice at the "Welcome" screen and type in
the username "Administrator" and as you state you did not set it up - the
password is likely blank.