User Accounts

[McGuire]

I have one user account (Computer Administrator) on my XP system.  I created a second account and it only gave me the option to add as another Administrator.  When Windows restarted, my original account was gone; however, it could be accessed through Safe Mode.  The only thing I could do is restore the system to an earlier date and undo the new user account.

Anyway, I want to create a new "limited" account and keep my original Administrator account.  Suggestions?

[JJ 3000]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/279783

[McGuire]

Yeah, the Microsoft site explains how it should work, but I have a quirky situation.  A second (new) user account can only be added as an administrator.  The account XP was originally setup with disappears when a new admin account is created...

[dahlarbear]

1.  Operating System.  Is that Windows XP Home Edition or Professional?

2.  Verify "Administrator" account exists:
     a.  select "Start"
     b.  right click "My Computer"
     c.  select "Manage" from context menu (an MMC console window appears)
     d.  expand "System Tools" category left hand pane of window
     e.  expand "Local Users & Groups", left hand pane of window
     f.  The "Administrator" user should be listed in right hand pane

3.  TweakUI 2.10:
     a.  Download and install Windows XP PowerToy Tweak UI 2.1
     b.  Start "TweakUI"; "Start" -> "Programs" -> "Windows XP PowerToys" -> "TweakUI"
     c.  Select "Logon" in left hand pane of TweakUI window.
     d.  Check box for "Show Administrator on Welcome Screen".
     e.  Exit and reboot.

4.  Logon Screen:
     a.  If "Administrator" not listed on Welcome logon screen, hit "Cntrl -> Alt -> Delete" twice.
     b.  Generic logon box should appear.  Enter username "Administrator" and password.
     c.  Should work.

5.  "Limited" Account.  Not sure about this.  You might have to create a "third" account which may be downgraded to "limited".  Generally, you would have the "Administrator" account (which you disable), your "named" administrator account (which is a member of the "Administrators" group), and your "named" limited account (which is a member of the "Users" group) which you use to surf the internet and all non-administrative functions.