Can't log in as administrator. Kind of complicated

[presto]

Original Problem:
Mapped network drives were not connecting on re-boot. Noticed that this computer simply rebooted with no log on screen. ( My other computer would bring up a log on screen and then finish rebooting. All my mapped drives would be connected).

What I want is not what either computer is doing. I don't want to have to bother with the log on screen but I guess mapped drives don't connect unless you log on. (It's confusing because I AM logged on, I think it is just that since I did not create any new accounts on this computer the log on screen does not show)

So...
Found some info on how to make windows xp automatically log me on:

Click START
Click RUN
Type control userpasswords2
You'll see the old Windows 2000 Accounts window
Click on your username, so its highlighted
Untick "Users must enter a user name and password"
Click OK
Enter the password you want
Confirm the password
Click OK

Away you go... no more choosing your name at startup... unless you log yourself out, ofcourse.
I originally got this help from UpdateXP: Tip14

This should have worked but instead an error came up saying that windows was unable to log me on and to check my password (password was very simple and I did not have cap lock on). Clicking Ok on that error message caused log on to proceed as normal. At this point I have the log on screen and error screen at each boot up but nothing has changed otherwise.

So...

Noticed that the following were listed as users:

Administrator (Group=Administrators)
Guest (Group=Groups)
Mike (Group=Administrators)

Decided to change Mike to Group=Users

Big Mistake, This gets weird

Now on reboot I get the log in screen, BUT instead of "Mike" as a user name, the log on screen has "1234". Now "1234" is my password for Mike! This is simply a bug because later windows xp informs me that I am logged on as Mike but that I do not have adminstration rights.

When I try to correct things I am told that I need to log into an administrators account. The screen comes up with "Administrator" and asks for a password. I tried hitting enter (since there should be no password). Didn't work. Tried "1234". Didn't work.

What happened? Shouldn't I still have an account called Administrator? It does not show up when I go to control panel/Users. (all that is listed is "1234" (limited account).

I think the whole windows xp log in system is insane. It seems like it is useless even when it works but it doesn't work!

Any hope?

Everything still works with my new crazy login of "1234" (which is actually Mike?) I just have not administration priveledges. I NEVER added any password to "Administrator".

[Treebeard]

boot in safe mode to get the administrator acct to show up. I think thats how to get to it. the Administrator password was asked for when you first install xp. If you get a little program called CIA Commander it will allow you to change the admin pwd by booting of the disc. hope this gives you some direction to go.

[presto]

I called Compaq Support and they solved the problem. Turns out you can go into Safe Mode and just create a new account with Admin priveledges!

I then used that account to give my other account admin priveledges and thene deleted the new one.

Doesn't Microsoft realize that a ridiculously weak password system is much much worse than no system at all? The idea that people are even bothering with passwords on this system is ludicrous. I knew it was weak but I thought you would at least have to search for a hack or call support and jump through some hoops to bypass the password.

Thanks for your help. I should have called support before wasteing your time here but I wasn't sure I still was entitled to free support and what number to call etc.

Thanks

[handyguy]

Thats why you use a BIOS PW.

[Craig Tucker]

Thats why you use a BIOS PW.

Easily cleared on most motherboards by simply shorting out a jumper switch. Or failing that just remove the battery. Don't rely on a bios password to secure your PC.

[Greg12]

if someone has physical access to your computer, there's nothing you can do.