Administrator Account in Windows XP - PLEASE HELP

[peter1998p]

Hello All,

Please help me!!! I know someone out there knows how to fix it. Here is what happened. I installed Windows XP with the default built-in Administrator only. I didn't create any other admin or non-admin account at the time of Windows installation. I have been using my computer since then by logging into the Administrator account each time. Recently, I wanted to add a new account. I was kind of surprised that the first new account I wanted to create had to be an admin account. I was surprised because it said there was be at least one admin account on the computer, but I already had one admin account I had been using all that time, that is, the built-in Administrator account. Anyways, since I was forced to make this first new account an admin one, I did so, and then I also created a second new accout without admin privilages. So at that point, I had 3 accounts - the built-in Administrator account and the two new accounts I created (one admin and one non-admin). When switching between the three accounts (but without actually logging off), I could see all three of them on the logon page. However, after I logged off the Administrator account, I lost access to it - it doesn't show anymore!!! I don't know how to get it back. I can see that the Administrator folder exists under the Profiles folders along the other two account folders (the ones I created). The Administrator accout also shows up in the list of accounts when I go to Local Users and Groups in Control Panel. I also made sure that the "Account is disabled" checkbox is UNCHECKED. But for some reason, I don't have access to the this built-in Administrator account. I can only login to the new admin account and the non-admin account I created. The Administrator account does not show up on the logon screen. I have a lot of stuff there, including my settings, bookmarks in Firefox, etc. Can someone PLEASE help me and tell me how to regain access to the Administrator account (that was that is built-in). Thank you!!! Peter

[Gagaman]

This work for me in XP Pro, dont know for XP home...

XP's built-in Administrator account is hidden from the welcome screen when a user account with admin privileges exists and is enabled. XP Home Edition allows you to login as built-in administrator in safe mode only. In XP Professional, just press CTRL+ALT+DEL twice at the Welcome Screen then type in your admin password into the resulting classic logon window that appears. Below, you will find two methods to have the admin account display in the welcome screen.

[1] TweakUI:

You can download Tweakui for free here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloa...ppowertoys.mspx

1. Once you open Tweakui.

2. In the left pane, click the Logon option.

3. Then place a checkmark in the Show Administrator option.

4. Click OK

Once you logoff, the welcome screen should now list Administrator login.

[2] Edit Windows Registry:

Warning: Be sure to make a backup copy of the registry prior to making any changes.

Go to Start>> Run>> Type in: regedit [Enter]

Drill down to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows NT/CurrentVersion/Winlogon/SpecialAccounts/UserList

Right-click an empty space in the right pane and select New DWORD Value. Type in the word Administrator as the value. Double-click this new value, and enter 1 as the data. Close the registry editor.

Source: http://www.5starsupport.com/info/xpinfo3.htm#1-8

[peter1998p]

Thank you Gagaman!!! I can see the account now after modifying the reg.

[Gagaman]

Glad it worked!

[cozofdeath]

This is how MS wants you to get to it. At logon screen press control+alt+del twice. That way you can get to any user account threw the older login box. But the reg edit is easier.