Customizing User Profiles in Control Panel

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Guest

Ok. I have a few items if you can share them with me:

1) I have four folders in my C:\Documents and Settings folder: a)
Administrator, b) All Users, c) [my full name- which is the account that I
previously set to automatically come up and use, having full Administration
rights], and d) Default User. Now, in Control Panel\User Profiles, the only
account that I set up was "b)"; there appears only two icons also, one for my
"b)" account, and one for "Guest User" account. Based on this:

a) Can I go ahead and delete all the folders in my C:\Documents and Settings
folder, except for the one I'm using, i.e. folder "b)"?

b) I tried to make an account for the "a)" folder in the C:\Documents and
Settings folder in Control Panel\User Profles; however, when I try to name
the account "Administrator", I get a message that this account already
exists; I know that the folder exists in the C:\Documents and Settings
folder, but not in Control Panel\User Profiles. Why is this happening, and
how to I fix this?

2) In My Microsoft HELP in my Windows XP Pro, there it states that there is
a way to facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user to log into my
computer, i.e to go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES, and click on the advanced
tab; however, when I go there, no ADVANCED tab exits. Can you tell me why,
and what I can do to obtain this log in functionality?

3) Finally, can you refer me to an article that covers all the basics on
this issue?

Thank you so much. Ben J.
 
See inline.

---
Leonard Grey
Errare humanum est
Ok. I have a few items if you can share them with me:

1) I have four folders in my C:\Documents and Settings folder: a)
Administrator, b) All Users, c) [my full name- which is the account that I
previously set to automatically come up and use, having full Administration
rights], and d) Default User. Now, in Control Panel\User Profiles, the only
account that I set up was "b)"; there appears only two icons also, one for my
"b)" account, and one for "Guest User" account. Based on this:

a) Can I go ahead and delete all the folders in my C:\Documents and Settings
folder, except for the one I'm using, i.e. folder "b)"?
Click to expand...

All Users and the Default User are created by Windows. Do not remove
them or move them. Do not alter them in any way until you know exactly
what you are doing.

All Users contains desktop settings that will apply to all user accounts
that you create, e.g., which shortcuts will appear in the Start menu and
which Favorites will be included in Internet Explorer.

The Default User account contains all the default configuration settings
that will apply whenever a new user account is created.

Administrator does not normally appear in Documents and Settings unless
you previously used the built-in Administrator account (which you should
/not/ do unless all other accounts with Administrator permissions are
broken.) Definitely *do not* touch this account.

The only accounts that appear in the control panel applet are the user
accounts, e.g., the account(s) you created when you first installed
Windows, the Guest account and any other user accounts subsequently
created. The control panel applet does not pertain to system accounts
(like Administrator, All Users and the Default User.)
b) I tried to make an account for the "a)" folder in the C:\Documents and
Settings folder in Control Panel\User Profles; however, when I try to name
the account "Administrator", I get a message that this account already
exists; I know that the folder exists in the C:\Documents and Settings
folder, but not in Control Panel\User Profiles. Why is this happening, and
how to I fix this?

2) In My Microsoft HELP in my Windows XP Pro, there it states that there is
a way to facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user to log into my
computer, i.e to go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES, and click on the advanced
tab; however, when I go there, no ADVANCED tab exits. Can you tell me why,
and what I can do to obtain this log in functionality?
Click to expand...

I don't know what "facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user to log
into my computer" means. I'll try to guess what you're referring to:

There are two ways to login to an account in Windows XP. If you choose
to use the Welcome Screen, users see a the name of their account
displayed on the screen with a cute graphic next to it. All they need to
do is to select their account and enter the password.

For enhanced security you choose to /not/ use the Welcome Screen, in
which case users have to press CTRL+ALT+DEL to start the login process
and then enter /both/ their user name and the correct password.
3) Finally, can you refer me to an article that covers all the basics on
this issue?
Click to expand...

May I suggest Google?
 
In
Ben said:
Ok. I have a few items if you can share them with me:

1) I have four folders in my C:\Documents and Settings
folder: a)
Administrator, b) All Users, c) [my full name- which is the
account that I
previously set to automatically come up and use, having full
Administration
rights], and d) Default User. Now, in Control Panel\User
Profiles, the only
account that I set up was "b)"; there appears only two icons
also, one for my
"b)" account, and one for "Guest User" account. Based on
this:

a) Can I go ahead and delete all the folders in my
C:\Documents and Settings
folder, except for the one I'm using, i.e. folder "b)"?

b) I tried to make an account for the "a)" folder in the
C:\Documents and
Settings folder in Control Panel\User Profles; however, when
I try to name
the account "Administrator", I get a message that this
account already
exists; I know that the folder exists in the C:\Documents and
Settings
folder, but not in Control Panel\User Profiles. Why is this
happening, and
how to I fix this?

2) In My Microsoft HELP in my Windows XP Pro, there it states
that there is
a way to facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user to
log into my
computer, i.e to go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES, and click
on the advanced
tab; however, when I go there, no ADVANCED tab exits. Can
you tell me why,
and what I can do to obtain this log in functionality?

3) Finally, can you refer me to an article that covers all
the basics on
this issue?

Thank you so much. Ben J.
Click to expand...

1) a) Short answer, No. Long answer, Windows XP is a
multi-user operating system. Each of those folders, along with
a few others that are hidden, are crucial to the proper
operation of XP. Here's a short description of the folders in
question.

The Administrator folder is used by an account that is usually
hidden and should be used only in emergencies. If your current
user account were to somehow become corrupted, the
Administrator account is your safety net, ready to help you fix
the problem.
Note: To log on with the Administrator account you can hit Ctrl
+ Alt + Del at the Welcome screen in XP Pro. This should bring
up the Logon to Windows dialog where you can enter
Administrator in the User Name box and logon. In Windows XP
Home Edition, you'll need to start the computer in Safe Mode to
logon as the Administrator. For more info, take a look at these
articles.

Courtesy of Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP
How to login as Administrator in Windows XP?
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/admins.htm

Where Is Windows XP's Administrator Account?
http://www.connectedhomemag.com/HomeOffice/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=24808

The All Users folder contains files and settings that are
common to all the accounts on the computer. If you had created
more than one user account, each would be able to access things
like common Start menu items and Desktop icons that are stored
here.

The Default User folder is a template used when you create a
new user account. If you're thinking, "I've already created the
only account I'll ever need", consider this. If for some reason
your user account became corrupted to the point that it was
beyond repair, you could log on with the Administrator account
and create a new user account, salvage what files you could
from the old user folder and be back in business. The only way
you get to create a new user account is because the Default
User folder exists.

1) b) The Administrator account is a built-in account that
exists in all XP systems. Leave this account alone. There's
nothing to fix. If you want to create another account with
administrative privileges, pick a name other than
Administrator.

2) The information in Help and Support is, unfortunately, not
always as accurate as it should be. Here's what the Help
article should advise you to do.

Go to Start and click Run. Note: If Run is not listed on your
Start menu, hit the Windows key and the R key at the same time
to bring up the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog, enter the following command in the Open box.

control userpasswords2

In User Accounts, click on the Advanced tab.
In the Secure Logon section, put a check mark in the box next
to "Require users to press Ctrl + Alt + Del".
Click OK.
Restart your computer to see if you obtain the desired results.

Note: Another way to enable this requirement on an XP Pro
system is through the Local Security Policy.

3) Sorry, I'm not familiar with any web site that does a
complete and accurate job of explaining user accounts in
Windows XP. If you are curious about the inner workings of
Windows XP, visit your local library, take out a few books, and
start reading. Here's one I'd recommend.

Microsoft Windows XP inside out / Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, and
Craig Stinson.

Good luck

Nepatsfan
 
Thank you so much. Let me see if I understand this: I have WXP Pro; based on
what you said, I cannot go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES and create User
Accounts for these said folder (i.e. Administrator, All Users and the Default
User.). ...And not to touch them because they all have purposes. You also
guessed right; what you are saying is that if I want users to log into my PC
using CTRL+ALT+DEL, I have to go into CONTROL PANEL\USERS PROFILES, click on
the CHANGE THE WAY USERS LOG ON AND OFF link, and then uncheck the USE THE
WELCOME SCREEN option (note that the Windows Help files do not state this,
but rather refers to an ADVANCED tab that I do not have existant in my USER
PROFILES window. ...And as for the article reference, I just thought that
there may have been a reknown, comprehensive, and detailed article on User
Profile issues for WXP Pro that tech may commonly use. Thank you again
Leonard; I appreciate you. Ben


Leonard Grey said:
See inline.

---
Leonard Grey
Errare humanum est
Ok. I have a few items if you can share them with me:

1) I have four folders in my C:\Documents and Settings folder: a)
Administrator, b) All Users, c) [my full name- which is the account that I
previously set to automatically come up and use, having full Administration
rights], and d) Default User. Now, in Control Panel\User Profiles, the only
account that I set up was "b)"; there appears only two icons also, one for my
"b)" account, and one for "Guest User" account. Based on this:

a) Can I go ahead and delete all the folders in my C:\Documents and Settings
folder, except for the one I'm using, i.e. folder "b)"?
Click to expand...

All Users and the Default User are created by Windows. Do not remove
them or move them. Do not alter them in any way until you know exactly
what you are doing.

All Users contains desktop settings that will apply to all user accounts
that you create, e.g., which shortcuts will appear in the Start menu and
which Favorites will be included in Internet Explorer.

The Default User account contains all the default configuration settings
that will apply whenever a new user account is created.

Administrator does not normally appear in Documents and Settings unless
you previously used the built-in Administrator account (which you should
/not/ do unless all other accounts with Administrator permissions are
broken.) Definitely *do not* touch this account.

The only accounts that appear in the control panel applet are the user
accounts, e.g., the account(s) you created when you first installed
Windows, the Guest account and any other user accounts subsequently
created. The control panel applet does not pertain to system accounts
(like Administrator, All Users and the Default User.)
b) I tried to make an account for the "a)" folder in the C:\Documents and
Settings folder in Control Panel\User Profles; however, when I try to name
the account "Administrator", I get a message that this account already
exists; I know that the folder exists in the C:\Documents and Settings
folder, but not in Control Panel\User Profiles. Why is this happening, and
how to I fix this?

2) In My Microsoft HELP in my Windows XP Pro, there it states that there is
a way to facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user to log into my
computer, i.e to go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES, and click on the advanced
tab; however, when I go there, no ADVANCED tab exits. Can you tell me why,
and what I can do to obtain this log in functionality?
Click to expand...

I don't know what "facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user to log
into my computer" means. I'll try to guess what you're referring to:

There are two ways to login to an account in Windows XP. If you choose
to use the Welcome Screen, users see a the name of their account
displayed on the screen with a cute graphic next to it. All they need to
do is to select their account and enter the password.

For enhanced security you choose to /not/ use the Welcome Screen, in
which case users have to press CTRL+ALT+DEL to start the login process
and then enter /both/ their user name and the correct password.
3) Finally, can you refer me to an article that covers all the basics on
this issue?
Click to expand...

May I suggest Google?
Thank you so much. Ben J.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Thank you so much for this great and helpful answer, Napatsfan; OK. First,
You stated that in emergencies, I can log into my Administrators account.
Yet I don't have an account for it set up in my CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILE,
or anywhere else to set a passwork to it; ...so at the Welcome Screen, when I
press Ctrl + Alt + Del, one of the accounts that will appear is ADMINSTRATOR,
and I can just go ahead and log into it without a password; then how do I set
a password for it?

Everything else, you are right on the mark; thank you! Ben J.

Nepatsfan said:
In
Ben said:
Ok. I have a few items if you can share them with me:

1) I have four folders in my C:\Documents and Settings
folder: a)
Administrator, b) All Users, c) [my full name- which is the
account that I
previously set to automatically come up and use, having full
Administration
rights], and d) Default User. Now, in Control Panel\User
Profiles, the only
account that I set up was "b)"; there appears only two icons
also, one for my
"b)" account, and one for "Guest User" account. Based on
this:

a) Can I go ahead and delete all the folders in my
C:\Documents and Settings
folder, except for the one I'm using, i.e. folder "b)"?

b) I tried to make an account for the "a)" folder in the
C:\Documents and
Settings folder in Control Panel\User Profles; however, when
I try to name
the account "Administrator", I get a message that this
account already
exists; I know that the folder exists in the C:\Documents and
Settings
folder, but not in Control Panel\User Profiles. Why is this
happening, and
how to I fix this?

2) In My Microsoft HELP in my Windows XP Pro, there it states
that there is
a way to facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user to
log into my
computer, i.e to go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES, and click
on the advanced
tab; however, when I go there, no ADVANCED tab exits. Can
you tell me why,
and what I can do to obtain this log in functionality?

3) Finally, can you refer me to an article that covers all
the basics on
this issue?

Thank you so much. Ben J.
Click to expand...

1) a) Short answer, No. Long answer, Windows XP is a
multi-user operating system. Each of those folders, along with
a few others that are hidden, are crucial to the proper
operation of XP. Here's a short description of the folders in
question.

The Administrator folder is used by an account that is usually
hidden and should be used only in emergencies. If your current
user account were to somehow become corrupted, the
Administrator account is your safety net, ready to help you fix
the problem.
Note: To log on with the Administrator account you can hit Ctrl
+ Alt + Del at the Welcome screen in XP Pro. This should bring
up the Logon to Windows dialog where you can enter
Administrator in the User Name box and logon. In Windows XP
Home Edition, you'll need to start the computer in Safe Mode to
logon as the Administrator. For more info, take a look at these
articles.

Courtesy of Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP
How to login as Administrator in Windows XP?
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/admins.htm

Where Is Windows XP's Administrator Account?
http://www.connectedhomemag.com/HomeOffice/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=24808

The All Users folder contains files and settings that are
common to all the accounts on the computer. If you had created
more than one user account, each would be able to access things
like common Start menu items and Desktop icons that are stored
here.

The Default User folder is a template used when you create a
new user account. If you're thinking, "I've already created the
only account I'll ever need", consider this. If for some reason
your user account became corrupted to the point that it was
beyond repair, you could log on with the Administrator account
and create a new user account, salvage what files you could
from the old user folder and be back in business. The only way
you get to create a new user account is because the Default
User folder exists.

1) b) The Administrator account is a built-in account that
exists in all XP systems. Leave this account alone. There's
nothing to fix. If you want to create another account with
administrative privileges, pick a name other than
Administrator.

2) The information in Help and Support is, unfortunately, not
always as accurate as it should be. Here's what the Help
article should advise you to do.

Go to Start and click Run. Note: If Run is not listed on your
Start menu, hit the Windows key and the R key at the same time
to bring up the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog, enter the following command in the Open box.

control userpasswords2

In User Accounts, click on the Advanced tab.
In the Secure Logon section, put a check mark in the box next
to "Require users to press Ctrl + Alt + Del".
Click OK.
Restart your computer to see if you obtain the desired results.

Note: Another way to enable this requirement on an XP Pro
system is through the Local Security Policy.

3) Sorry, I'm not familiar with any web site that does a
complete and accurate job of explaining user accounts in
Windows XP. If you are curious about the inner workings of
Windows XP, visit your local library, take out a few books, and
start reading. Here's one I'd recommend.

Microsoft Windows XP inside out / Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, and
Craig Stinson.

Good luck

Nepatsfan
Click to expand...
 
Answered inline.

In
Ben said:
Thank you so much for this great and helpful answer,
Napatsfan; OK. First,
You stated that in emergencies, I can log into my
Administrators account.
Yet I don't have an account for it set up in my CONTROL
PANEL\USER PROFILE,
or anywhere else to set a passwork to it; ...so at the
Welcome Screen, when I
press Ctrl + Alt + Del, one of the accounts that will appear
is ADMINSTRATOR,
and I can just go ahead and log into it without a password;
then how do I set
a password for it?
Click to expand...

The Administrator account will not appear in the list of users
displayed when you run the Control Panel -> User Accounts
applet. Remember, this is a hidden account. The only time the
Administrator account shows up in that list of accounts is if
you are logged on with the Administrator account.

In my earlier response I made a mistake in outlining the
procedure that will allow you to logon with the built-in
Administrator account. It should have read as follows.

Note: To log on with the Administrator account you can hit Ctrl
+ Alt + Del twice at the Welcome screen in XP Pro. This should
bring
up the Logon to Windows dialog where you can enter
Administrator in the User Name box and logon.

You have to hit Ctrl + Alt + Del twice in order to get the
dialog that will allow you to logon as Administrator. The
password for this account is blank by default. Once you logon
to the account, you can go to Control Panel -> User Accounts.
The icon for the Administrator account will be visible allowing
you to assign a password to this account. Keep in mind that you
can also gain access to the Administrator account by starting
the computer in Safe Mode.

Sorry for the confusion,

Nepatsfan
Everything else, you are right on the mark; thank you! Ben
J.

Nepatsfan said:
In
Ben said:
Ok. I have a few items if you can share them with me:

1) I have four folders in my C:\Documents and Settings
folder: a)
Administrator, b) All Users, c) [my full name- which is the
account that I
previously set to automatically come up and use, having
full
Administration
rights], and d) Default User. Now, in Control Panel\User
Profiles, the only
account that I set up was "b)"; there appears only two
icons
also, one for my
"b)" account, and one for "Guest User" account. Based on
this:

a) Can I go ahead and delete all the folders in my
C:\Documents and Settings
folder, except for the one I'm using, i.e. folder "b)"?

b) I tried to make an account for the "a)" folder in the
C:\Documents and
Settings folder in Control Panel\User Profles; however,
when
I try to name
the account "Administrator", I get a message that this
account already
exists; I know that the folder exists in the C:\Documents
and
Settings
folder, but not in Control Panel\User Profiles. Why is
this
happening, and
how to I fix this?

2) In My Microsoft HELP in my Windows XP Pro, there it
states
that there is
a way to facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user to
log into my
computer, i.e to go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES, and
click
on the advanced
tab; however, when I go there, no ADVANCED tab exits. Can
you tell me why,
and what I can do to obtain this log in functionality?

3) Finally, can you refer me to an article that covers all
the basics on
this issue?

Thank you so much. Ben J.
Click to expand...

1) a) Short answer, No. Long answer, Windows XP is a
multi-user operating system. Each of those folders, along
with
a few others that are hidden, are crucial to the proper
operation of XP. Here's a short description of the folders
in
question.

The Administrator folder is used by an account that is
usually
hidden and should be used only in emergencies. If your
current
user account were to somehow become corrupted, the
Administrator account is your safety net, ready to help you
fix
the problem.
Note: To log on with the Administrator account you can hit
Ctrl
+ Alt + Del at the Welcome screen in XP Pro. This should
bring
up the Logon to Windows dialog where you can enter
Administrator in the User Name box and logon. In Windows XP
Home Edition, you'll need to start the computer in Safe Mode
to
logon as the Administrator. For more info, take a look at
these
articles.

Courtesy of Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP
How to login as Administrator in Windows XP?
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/admins.htm

Where Is Windows XP's Administrator Account?
http://www.connectedhomemag.com/HomeOffice/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=24808

The All Users folder contains files and settings that are
common to all the accounts on the computer. If you had
created
more than one user account, each would be able to access
things
like common Start menu items and Desktop icons that are
stored
here.

The Default User folder is a template used when you create a
new user account. If you're thinking, "I've already created
the
only account I'll ever need", consider this. If for some
reason
your user account became corrupted to the point that it was
beyond repair, you could log on with the Administrator
account
and create a new user account, salvage what files you could
from the old user folder and be back in business. The only
way
you get to create a new user account is because the Default
User folder exists.

1) b) The Administrator account is a built-in account that
exists in all XP systems. Leave this account alone. There's
nothing to fix. If you want to create another account with
administrative privileges, pick a name other than
Administrator.

2) The information in Help and Support is, unfortunately,
not
always as accurate as it should be. Here's what the Help
article should advise you to do.

Go to Start and click Run. Note: If Run is not listed on
your
Start menu, hit the Windows key and the R key at the same
time
to bring up the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog, enter the following command in the Open
box.

control userpasswords2

In User Accounts, click on the Advanced tab.
In the Secure Logon section, put a check mark in the box
next
to "Require users to press Ctrl + Alt + Del".
Click OK.
Restart your computer to see if you obtain the desired
results.

Note: Another way to enable this requirement on an XP Pro
system is through the Local Security Policy.

3) Sorry, I'm not familiar with any web site that does a
complete and accurate job of explaining user accounts in
Windows XP. If you are curious about the inner workings of
Windows XP, visit your local library, take out a few books,
and
start reading. Here's one I'd recommend.

Microsoft Windows XP inside out / Ed Bott, Carl Siechert,
and
Craig Stinson.

Good luck

Nepatsfan
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
"I cannot go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES and create User Accounts for
these said folder (i.e. Administrator, All Users and the Default User.)"

Correct. They are not user accounts. They are system accounts.

"And not to touch them because they all have purposes."

Correct. Once you learn.../really/ learn...about how these accounts
operate, you may find a reason to work with them. (Always make a backup
copy of the Default User before altering it.)

"I just thought that there may have been a reknown, comprehensive, and
detailed article..."

I wish. I wouldn't have had to learn the hard way. :-(

In general, a well-crafted web search is worth more than gold.

Glad I could help.

---
Leonard Grey
Errare humanum est
Thank you so much. Let me see if I understand this: I have WXP Pro; based on
what you said, I cannot go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES and create User
Accounts for these said folder (i.e. Administrator, All Users and the Default
User.). ...And not to touch them because they all have purposes. You also
guessed right; what you are saying is that if I want users to log into my PC
using CTRL+ALT+DEL, I have to go into CONTROL PANEL\USERS PROFILES, click on
the CHANGE THE WAY USERS LOG ON AND OFF link, and then uncheck the USE THE
WELCOME SCREEN option (note that the Windows Help files do not state this,
but rather refers to an ADVANCED tab that I do not have existant in my USER
PROFILES window. ...And as for the article reference, I just thought that
there may have been a reknown, comprehensive, and detailed article on User
Profile issues for WXP Pro that tech may commonly use. Thank you again
Leonard; I appreciate you. Ben


Leonard Grey said:
See inline.

---
Leonard Grey
Errare humanum est
Ok. I have a few items if you can share them with me:

1) I have four folders in my C:\Documents and Settings folder: a)
Administrator, b) All Users, c) [my full name- which is the account that I
previously set to automatically come up and use, having full Administration
rights], and d) Default User. Now, in Control Panel\User Profiles, the only
account that I set up was "b)"; there appears only two icons also, one for my
"b)" account, and one for "Guest User" account. Based on this:

a) Can I go ahead and delete all the folders in my C:\Documents and Settings
folder, except for the one I'm using, i.e. folder "b)"?
Click to expand...
All Users and the Default User are created by Windows. Do not remove
them or move them. Do not alter them in any way until you know exactly
what you are doing.

All Users contains desktop settings that will apply to all user accounts
that you create, e.g., which shortcuts will appear in the Start menu and
which Favorites will be included in Internet Explorer.

The Default User account contains all the default configuration settings
that will apply whenever a new user account is created.

Administrator does not normally appear in Documents and Settings unless
you previously used the built-in Administrator account (which you should
/not/ do unless all other accounts with Administrator permissions are
broken.) Definitely *do not* touch this account.

The only accounts that appear in the control panel applet are the user
accounts, e.g., the account(s) you created when you first installed
Windows, the Guest account and any other user accounts subsequently
created. The control panel applet does not pertain to system accounts
(like Administrator, All Users and the Default User.)
b) I tried to make an account for the "a)" folder in the C:\Documents and
Settings folder in Control Panel\User Profles; however, when I try to name
the account "Administrator", I get a message that this account already
exists; I know that the folder exists in the C:\Documents and Settings
folder, but not in Control Panel\User Profiles. Why is this happening, and
how to I fix this?

2) In My Microsoft HELP in my Windows XP Pro, there it states that there is
a way to facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user to log into my
computer, i.e to go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES, and click on the advanced
tab; however, when I go there, no ADVANCED tab exits. Can you tell me why,
and what I can do to obtain this log in functionality?
Click to expand...
I don't know what "facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user to log
into my computer" means. I'll try to guess what you're referring to:

There are two ways to login to an account in Windows XP. If you choose
to use the Welcome Screen, users see a the name of their account
displayed on the screen with a cute graphic next to it. All they need to
do is to select their account and enter the password.

For enhanced security you choose to /not/ use the Welcome Screen, in
which case users have to press CTRL+ALT+DEL to start the login process
and then enter /both/ their user name and the correct password.
3) Finally, can you refer me to an article that covers all the basics on
this issue? May I suggest Google?
Thank you so much. Ben J.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Nothing to be sorry about; thank you! Great response! Ben J.

Nepatsfan said:
Answered inline.

In
Ben said:
Thank you so much for this great and helpful answer,
Napatsfan; OK. First,
You stated that in emergencies, I can log into my
Administrators account.
Yet I don't have an account for it set up in my CONTROL
PANEL\USER PROFILE,
or anywhere else to set a passwork to it; ...so at the
Welcome Screen, when I
press Ctrl + Alt + Del, one of the accounts that will appear
is ADMINSTRATOR,
and I can just go ahead and log into it without a password;
then how do I set
a password for it?
Click to expand...

The Administrator account will not appear in the list of users
displayed when you run the Control Panel -> User Accounts
applet. Remember, this is a hidden account. The only time the
Administrator account shows up in that list of accounts is if
you are logged on with the Administrator account.

In my earlier response I made a mistake in outlining the
procedure that will allow you to logon with the built-in
Administrator account. It should have read as follows.

Note: To log on with the Administrator account you can hit Ctrl
+ Alt + Del twice at the Welcome screen in XP Pro. This should
bring
up the Logon to Windows dialog where you can enter
Administrator in the User Name box and logon.

You have to hit Ctrl + Alt + Del twice in order to get the
dialog that will allow you to logon as Administrator. The
password for this account is blank by default. Once you logon
to the account, you can go to Control Panel -> User Accounts.
The icon for the Administrator account will be visible allowing
you to assign a password to this account. Keep in mind that you
can also gain access to the Administrator account by starting
the computer in Safe Mode.

Sorry for the confusion,

Nepatsfan
Everything else, you are right on the mark; thank you! Ben
J.

Nepatsfan said:
In Ok. I have a few items if you can share them with me:

1) I have four folders in my C:\Documents and Settings
folder: a)
Administrator, b) All Users, c) [my full name- which is the
account that I
previously set to automatically come up and use, having
full
Administration
rights], and d) Default User. Now, in Control Panel\User
Profiles, the only
account that I set up was "b)"; there appears only two
icons
also, one for my
"b)" account, and one for "Guest User" account. Based on
this:

a) Can I go ahead and delete all the folders in my
C:\Documents and Settings
folder, except for the one I'm using, i.e. folder "b)"?

b) I tried to make an account for the "a)" folder in the
C:\Documents and
Settings folder in Control Panel\User Profles; however,
when
I try to name
the account "Administrator", I get a message that this
account already
exists; I know that the folder exists in the C:\Documents
and
Settings
folder, but not in Control Panel\User Profiles. Why is
this
happening, and
how to I fix this?

2) In My Microsoft HELP in my Windows XP Pro, there it
states
that there is
a way to facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user to
log into my
computer, i.e to go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES, and
click
on the advanced
tab; however, when I go there, no ADVANCED tab exits. Can
you tell me why,
and what I can do to obtain this log in functionality?

3) Finally, can you refer me to an article that covers all
the basics on
this issue?

Thank you so much. Ben J.

1) a) Short answer, No. Long answer, Windows XP is a
multi-user operating system. Each of those folders, along
with
a few others that are hidden, are crucial to the proper
operation of XP. Here's a short description of the folders
in
question.

The Administrator folder is used by an account that is
usually
hidden and should be used only in emergencies. If your
current
user account were to somehow become corrupted, the
Administrator account is your safety net, ready to help you
fix
the problem.
Note: To log on with the Administrator account you can hit
Ctrl
+ Alt + Del at the Welcome screen in XP Pro. This should
bring
up the Logon to Windows dialog where you can enter
Administrator in the User Name box and logon. In Windows XP
Home Edition, you'll need to start the computer in Safe Mode
to
logon as the Administrator. For more info, take a look at
these
articles.

Courtesy of Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP
How to login as Administrator in Windows XP?
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/admins.htm

Where Is Windows XP's Administrator Account?
http://www.connectedhomemag.com/HomeOffice/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=24808

The All Users folder contains files and settings that are
common to all the accounts on the computer. If you had
created
more than one user account, each would be able to access
things
like common Start menu items and Desktop icons that are
stored
here.

The Default User folder is a template used when you create a
new user account. If you're thinking, "I've already created
the
only account I'll ever need", consider this. If for some
reason
your user account became corrupted to the point that it was
beyond repair, you could log on with the Administrator
account
and create a new user account, salvage what files you could
from the old user folder and be back in business. The only
way
you get to create a new user account is because the Default
User folder exists.

1) b) The Administrator account is a built-in account that
exists in all XP systems. Leave this account alone. There's
nothing to fix. If you want to create another account with
administrative privileges, pick a name other than
Administrator.

2) The information in Help and Support is, unfortunately,
not
always as accurate as it should be. Here's what the Help
article should advise you to do.

Go to Start and click Run. Note: If Run is not listed on
your
Start menu, hit the Windows key and the R key at the same
time
to bring up the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog, enter the following command in the Open
box.

control userpasswords2

In User Accounts, click on the Advanced tab.
In the Secure Logon section, put a check mark in the box
next
to "Require users to press Ctrl + Alt + Del".
Click OK.
Restart your computer to see if you obtain the desired
results.

Note: Another way to enable this requirement on an XP Pro
system is through the Local Security Policy.

3) Sorry, I'm not familiar with any web site that does a
complete and accurate job of explaining user accounts in
Windows XP. If you are curious about the inner workings of
Windows XP, visit your local library, take out a few books,
and
start reading. Here's one I'd recommend.

Microsoft Windows XP inside out / Ed Bott, Carl Siechert,
and
Craig Stinson.

Good luck

Nepatsfan
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
You're welcome.

Nepatsfan

In
Ben said:
Nothing to be sorry about; thank you! Great response! Ben
J.

Nepatsfan said:
Answered inline.

In
Ben said:
Thank you so much for this great and helpful answer,
Napatsfan; OK. First,
You stated that in emergencies, I can log into my
Administrators account.
Yet I don't have an account for it set up in my CONTROL
PANEL\USER PROFILE,
or anywhere else to set a passwork to it; ...so at the
Welcome Screen, when I
press Ctrl + Alt + Del, one of the accounts that will
appear
is ADMINSTRATOR,
and I can just go ahead and log into it without a password;
then how do I set
a password for it?
Click to expand...

The Administrator account will not appear in the list of
users
displayed when you run the Control Panel -> User Accounts
applet. Remember, this is a hidden account. The only time
the
Administrator account shows up in that list of accounts is
if
you are logged on with the Administrator account.

In my earlier response I made a mistake in outlining the
procedure that will allow you to logon with the built-in
Administrator account. It should have read as follows.

Note: To log on with the Administrator account you can hit
Ctrl
+ Alt + Del twice at the Welcome screen in XP Pro. This
should
bring
up the Logon to Windows dialog where you can enter
Administrator in the User Name box and logon.

You have to hit Ctrl + Alt + Del twice in order to get the
dialog that will allow you to logon as Administrator. The
password for this account is blank by default. Once you
logon
to the account, you can go to Control Panel -> User
Accounts.
The icon for the Administrator account will be visible
allowing
you to assign a password to this account. Keep in mind that
you
can also gain access to the Administrator account by
starting
the computer in Safe Mode.

Sorry for the confusion,

Nepatsfan
Everything else, you are right on the mark; thank you! Ben
J.

:

In
Ok. I have a few items if you can share them with me:

1) I have four folders in my C:\Documents and Settings
folder: a)
Administrator, b) All Users, c) [my full name- which is
the
account that I
previously set to automatically come up and use, having
full
Administration
rights], and d) Default User. Now, in Control Panel\User
Profiles, the only
account that I set up was "b)"; there appears only two
icons
also, one for my
"b)" account, and one for "Guest User" account. Based on
this:

a) Can I go ahead and delete all the folders in my
C:\Documents and Settings
folder, except for the one I'm using, i.e. folder "b)"?

b) I tried to make an account for the "a)" folder in the
C:\Documents and
Settings folder in Control Panel\User Profles; however,
when
I try to name
the account "Administrator", I get a message that this
account already
exists; I know that the folder exists in the C:\Documents
and
Settings
folder, but not in Control Panel\User Profiles. Why is
this
happening, and
how to I fix this?

2) In My Microsoft HELP in my Windows XP Pro, there it
states
that there is
a way to facilitate CRTL + ALT + DEL when I want a user
to
log into my
computer, i.e to go to CONTROL PANEL\USER PROFILES, and
click
on the advanced
tab; however, when I go there, no ADVANCED tab exits.
Can
you tell me why,
and what I can do to obtain this log in functionality?

3) Finally, can you refer me to an article that covers
all
the basics on
this issue?

Thank you so much. Ben J.

1) a) Short answer, No. Long answer, Windows XP is a
multi-user operating system. Each of those folders, along
with
a few others that are hidden, are crucial to the proper
operation of XP. Here's a short description of the folders
in
question.

The Administrator folder is used by an account that is
usually
hidden and should be used only in emergencies. If your
current
user account were to somehow become corrupted, the
Administrator account is your safety net, ready to help
you
fix
the problem.
Note: To log on with the Administrator account you can hit
Ctrl
+ Alt + Del at the Welcome screen in XP Pro. This should
bring
up the Logon to Windows dialog where you can enter
Administrator in the User Name box and logon. In Windows
XP
Home Edition, you'll need to start the computer in Safe
Mode
to
logon as the Administrator. For more info, take a look at
these
articles.

Courtesy of Ramesh Srinivasan, MS-MVP
How to login as Administrator in Windows XP?
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/admins.htm

Where Is Windows XP's Administrator Account?
http://www.connectedhomemag.com/HomeOffice/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=24808

The All Users folder contains files and settings that are
common to all the accounts on the computer. If you had
created
more than one user account, each would be able to access
things
like common Start menu items and Desktop icons that are
stored
here.

The Default User folder is a template used when you create
a
new user account. If you're thinking, "I've already
created
the
only account I'll ever need", consider this. If for some
reason
your user account became corrupted to the point that it
was
beyond repair, you could log on with the Administrator
account
and create a new user account, salvage what files you
could
from the old user folder and be back in business. The only
way
you get to create a new user account is because the
Default
User folder exists.

1) b) The Administrator account is a built-in account that
exists in all XP systems. Leave this account alone.
There's
nothing to fix. If you want to create another account with
administrative privileges, pick a name other than
Administrator.

2) The information in Help and Support is, unfortunately,
not
always as accurate as it should be. Here's what the Help
article should advise you to do.

Go to Start and click Run. Note: If Run is not listed on
your
Start menu, hit the Windows key and the R key at the same
time
to bring up the Run dialog.
In the Run dialog, enter the following command in the Open
box.

control userpasswords2

In User Accounts, click on the Advanced tab.
In the Secure Logon section, put a check mark in the box
next
to "Require users to press Ctrl + Alt + Del".
Click OK.
Restart your computer to see if you obtain the desired
results.

Note: Another way to enable this requirement on an XP Pro
system is through the Local Security Policy.

3) Sorry, I'm not familiar with any web site that does a
complete and accurate job of explaining user accounts in
Windows XP. If you are curious about the inner workings of
Windows XP, visit your local library, take out a few
books,
and
start reading. Here's one I'd recommend.

Microsoft Windows XP inside out / Ed Bott, Carl Siechert,
and
Craig Stinson.

Good luck

Nepatsfan
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Let me try my luck here, if I can figure out how to start.... Probably I
should start
a new query (and I may) but this seems to be the only post I saw that comes
even close to my own problem (actually, 2).

Specs: Win XP Pro SP2; Intel Celeron 2.66 GHz; 224 MB RAM

(1) Way back when I had a problem - think a blown MBR (same again as now).
Eventually fixed it and then did a back up and a system state back up.

When she blew again, I got it going again and afterwards did a confusing
restore
of the system state (Windows help on most issues confuses the hell out of me).
To tell the truth, by now I forget what all I did.

In any case, in the end I wound up with a ton of accounts, one of which (w/
a very long name w/nrs, preceded by Admin or similar), took over. None of
these accts are pw protected.

I would love to delete some of these messy accounts and restore the one
(call it
"MAIN") I had used previously - because it has a ton of desktop shortcuts
I've set up over a long time and don't want to spend months re-doing.

Any way to do that?

(2) Next problem. At moment I'm using another computer. The original keeps
blowing the MBR on its only HD. I got that HD slaved and working ok now in
this 2nd old desktop comp (as a Slave, the un-bootable, blown-MBR HD is ok).

There are several accounts on the prime Master HD and, of course, a ton of
accounts, as I've said, on that Slave HD. In Documents and Settings, each of
these accts (on both prime and Slave drives) has its own "DeskTop". I can
access these of course via Docs & Sets, but that's not convenient and not
what I'd prefer.

Is there any way to make any such 'DeskTop', on any of these 2 HD's, the
actual,
'Active DeskTop'? I want to see the REAL, prefered DeskTop on my screen, so
I can work on it rather than the current default one that comes up at boot
to the
current Master HD.

BTW, with this Master HD I do get a log-in screen but no password required. I
just press "Enter" to get in.

Any hope?
 
I ran into a bug problem !!!
I was trying to play with "control userpasswrds2" and after
committing
changes my low priviledge user simply disappeared from XP Home login
screen.
I have realized that attempting to change user group has caused the
user to *LOST*
association to standard group "Users".
Unfortunately, XP Home have no control like the pro for assigning
again users
to group. I was disperate when i have fount this little nice utility

XP HOME USER MANAGER - Gyrus Solution

http://www.xphometools.com/download.aspx?p=2&v=1.1-RELEASE

I've installed this as shareware, then i have
located the missing account (it was available, just not visible
anymore for XP Home), then i have added the user to "Users" group,
et VOILA! I could back login using the colorful logon screen.

Use TweakUI also to make sure that this re-enabled user
is not in "hidden" status.

Hope this helps,

Paolo Marani
 
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