If you're still having problems with this, try pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE at
the User Sign in screen. I know that Microsoft's Shared Computer Toolkit
makes the Admin account invisible, and it is activated by pressing
CTRL+ALT+DELETE. Hope this helps.
Problem: This tool is not available in XP Home or Pro. It needs to be
installed and you need an administrator account make any changes with it.
For original poster: You were using the default administrator account for
everyday use instead of a separate administrator account. When you created
a new account, the default admin account became hidden. This is expected
behavior in this operating system. Ideally, this account is left
"untouched" so that it can behave as a "baseline" - undisturbed as much as
possible so that it is useful for troubleshooting.
If you have XP Home, you'll need to boot Safe Mode and access the "missing"
account. Once there, I suggest that you create a new account *within the
administrator group.* This account will be visible when you boot to safe
mode. Before booting to safe mode, transfer your personal files to this new
account. It sounds like extra work but you really want to keep that hidden
account hidden and access it only when it's needed - during trouble
situations that demand administrator access and the visible admin accounts
are inaccessible for whatever reason.
If you have a different version of XP - Pro or Media Center - you can use
TweakUI for XP to force the account to visible in "normal mode." Suggestion
to move personal data to a new/different administrator account still
stands. After the transfer, revert the account to being hidden. Having an
"admin"/ace account in the pocket is a good tactic. Hopefully one you never
have to use but available when and if it is needed.
