User Accounts Section

[makemeegg]

Hi I was hoping someone can help me out with user accounts in Windows XP. I have noticed two different styles of useraccount windows using XP and I am confused why I only get the basic on my home comptuer. I have done a little bit of research and read that the command "control userpasswords2" will bring up this second style on my home PC but I am trying to figure out why on my home computer I get the basic user account window when I click "users" through control pannel and when I used my buddies work computer it came up with the second style. I have attached style 1 and style 2 below so you know what I am talking about............Thanks

Style 1:

Style 2:

Thanks!

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Welcome to the Windows Forum.

I cannot see your "style 1" image; can you post that again? I always get your "style 2" panel, so I don't know what the other one could be.

Is it possible that you have two different versions of Windows XP - Pro, and Home?

[makemeegg]

Welcome to the Windows Forum.

I cannot see your "style 1" image; can you post that again? I always get your "style 2" panel, so I don't know what the other one could be.

Is it possible that you have two different versions of Windows XP - Pro, and Home?

Sure, style 1:

We are both running Windows XP professional............Thanks!

[Irene]

I don't have XP Pro, but I wonder if your difference is to do with a change in Appearance and Themes?

MICROSOFT - Using Appearance and Themes

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

I think your word "style" was correct - classic style vs. XP style.

[Dencandy]

Hello makemeegg. I think the difference between these 2 windows is more than just style. The first one actually shows the User Accounts Dialog Box which is much more powerful than the second one, which is the User Account window (Category View) available from Control Panel. The Use Accounts Dialog Box is normally only available from the command line via the command you quote, but your buddy may have things set up so that he can access it through the Control Panel. Have you asked him? It's accessible from both Home and Pro versions of XP but the Home version may not have all the options.

In my experience you should not mess with anything on the User Accounts Dialog Box unless you know what you are doing and have an advanced manual available. Otherwise you can find yourself making changes that you really don't want. That Dialog Box also shows the built-in Administrator Account not normally available even from the User Account Window from Control Panel and has other powerful functions as well. It also has an even more powerful sub-menu available from the Advanced tab.

Don't mess with either of them. I did once and regretted it. Stick to the User Accounts window from Control Panel.

[EcoBoost]

I'm having this same problem.. The only difference is, my laptop is Windows XP Professional.

Style 1:

Style 2:

The only way I can get style 2 is if I use "control user passwords2" in the run box. After running this, I select the advanced tab and the secure logon is grayed out. Any ideas?

[Dencandy]

EcoBoost, that's as it should be. The User Accounts Dialog box is deliberately not accessible except through the command line because it's potentially so powerful. So, if I've understood your post correctly, you don't have a problem at all. That's as XP is designed.

[Dencandy]

I realise I didn't deal with your second question EcoBoost: why the secure logon box is greyed out. Actually, I've no idea, but realise your concern - it should be accessible. I suggest you try Windows Support here and use the Search box to try to find the answer. It looks very complex. Start by typing in something like "secure logon" and take it from there.

Also there's a lot on this in chapter 5 of a book called "Insider Power Techniques for MS Windows XP" by McFedries, Anderson, Wilson & Winslow, if you can get hold of a copy.

[EcoBoost]

I realise I didn't deal with your second question EcoBoost: why the secure logon box is greyed out. Actually, I've no idea, but realise your concern - it should be accessible. I suggest you try Windows Support here and use the Search box to try to find the answer. It looks very complex. Start by typing in something like "secure logon" and take it from there.

Also there's a lot on this in chapter 5 of a book called "Insider Power Techniques for MS Windows XP" by McFedries, Anderson, Wilson & Winslow, if you can get hold of a copy.

Thanks for your help... I'll be sure to look into what you've suggested. I'll let you know if I find anything.

[Dencandy]

How many Administrator accounts do you have, EcoBoost? And is the secure login box greyed out when using all of them? The reason for asking is that if you have more than one Administrator's account it's possible from one of them to change the right of others.

You can find out exactly how many user accounts your computer has & their rights by going to Computer Management>System Tools>User Accounts. Their rights can be changed using the command line. Has someone else previously managed your computer and restricted the rights of some accounts? Or perhaps the manufacturer or retailer made some changes to the rights to prevent people making deep alterations to the system.