"Windows XP startup password"

[Guest]

I hope I can make this clear....Several years ago, and I don't remember how I
did it, I put a "windows startup password" on both of my XP Home edition
computers. I know the password so I'm not trying to break in and get past
it. I just want to know how to change or disable it so I can get the kids on
to the downstairs computer without me having to go down and type the password
everytime they want to use it. Now that they are older (and I have a good
filter) I want them to sign in for themselves. I cannot give them the
startup password in use now because my computer has the same password and I
do not want them to have access to my files.

It is not a bios password.

 

[P. Di Stolfo]

Hello,

do I understand correctly: You are logging in into Windows XP using your
username and password? Then, just create a new user account for your
children.
See the following article on how to create it:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/279783/en-us

Hope this is what you meant. Please tell us if it helped.

Greetings,
P. Di Stolfo

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

Go to Control Panel, Users accounts, select your account and change the
password, or get rid of it altogether, or set up a new, limited account for
the kids so they can't wreck the system, unless they're old enough to learn
how to rebuild it.

 

[Guest]

Hello!

No, this is not a XP account password or administrator password. I have
those too for individual users. This PW has to be entered before XP will
even open up. Just after the XP flag appears, small 2" x 4" window pops up
and says "this computer is configured to require a password in order to start
up. Please enter the startup password below". After entering the password
the screen appears for individuals to log in with usernames and passwords.
I set this up a couple of years ago and cannot remember how I did it.

Tim

 

[Guest]

Thanks Gary but it's not a user account setup in control panel. I wish it
were that easy. Please see the detailed answer I replied with to P. Di
Stolfo.

Timm

 

[jorgen]

No, this is not a XP account password or administrator password. I have
those too for individual users. This PW has to be entered before XP will
even open up.

run > syskey > update > password startup

 

[Guest]

Timm,
You said it is not a Bios PW. But if it is asking for it BEFORE OS boots?
It has to be bios related.
Most Bios securities have two password settings for Admin. and users.
I would at least check there,in Security, settings in Bios.

Hi Gary ! How's it poppin?

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

Well, let us know if you find the answer, OK? Never heard of that one. BIOS
password, yes, but this is way past BIOS. You sure it isn't some 3rd-party
utility?

 

[Guest]

Hello Jorgen,

I tried your suggestion and that took care of it! I chose the "store
startup key locally" option and now the computer starts up without me needing
to type in the startup password. Thank you very much!!!

Tim

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

OTAY!

But it isn't a BIOS password if it doesn't show up until the XP flag has
appeared. Has to be in XP.

 

[Peter Foldes]

Sounds like you put a Password to the Bios.

 

[Guest]

yes since you pointed out the XP flag to me.
It may be a 3rd party office type program for a server type inviroment.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Gary and everyone else who answered. I tried Jorgen's suggestion and
that took care of it. Starts right up now without stopping to wait for me to
type a password.

Timm

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

Yup. Jorgen pointed out a utility that I wasn't aware of (I don't encrypt
things). Note that all you can do is change the password, you can't get rid
of the prompt. At least, that's the way it looks. I didn't want to institute
it.

 

[jorgen]

Yup. Jorgen pointed out a utility that I wasn't aware of (I don't encrypt
things). Note that all you can do is change the password, you can't get rid
of the prompt. At least, that's the way it looks. I didn't want to institute
it.

The prompt will go away if you choose to have the system key stored
locally (like he did). Then it will go straight to the normal login
prompt / welcome screen.

It is a good way to further protect EFS files, if you choose to have a
weak password on your account. By choosing a strong password for the
system key, a hacker must crack this before gaining access to files.

 

[Guest]

Just download and install Twesk UI from MS, it has the autologon feature.

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

Good to know. Thanks!