XP Welcome Screen Log on 2

[jnvan]

When I log on a Welcome Screen appears requiring me to click a box to continue. This hasn't happened in the past but started after I had my hard disk cleaned and XP re-installed. I am the "Administrater" and haveno password. What do I change to skip this step?

 

[linney]

Have a read of these. By the way, it is not advisable to surf the Internet as an Administrative User, you really should do so from a Limited User account, otherwise you may be having your disk cleaned and XP installed as a regular occurrence. Admin users have access to everything on your machine, while Limited users only have access to their accounts, thus they cannot corrupt Windows via picked up malware infections.

How to automatically log on to a user account in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;282866&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

315231 - How to turn on automatic logon in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315231&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

XP Home, Eliminate User Login requirement?
thread779-880540

305281 - The "Welcome" Logon Screen Does Not Appear

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305281&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Automatic Logon to a Windows Machine (Windows NT/2000/XP)

http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/13/

How to implement autologon for WinXP
FAQ779-1381

 

[jnvan]

linney,

Thanks a lot. I used "315231 - How to turn on automatic logon in Windows XP" (The last part, not the registry change) and it worked fine.

 

[manhunter2826]

Have a read of these. By the way, it is not advisable to surf the Internet as an Administrative User, you really should do so from a Limited User account

Linney, could I also have your advice on this: I am also logged in as Administrator whilst browsing the Internet[eek]. I understand that you are saying that this is 'bad practice': if I use a Limited Account will I still be able to (manually) install security updates? For example, I like to update FireFox, Spybot updates on a daily basis. OR is it necessary to log out and then then re log in as Administrator to carry out such tasks. Thanks.

 

[smah]

You can use the 'runas' function from a command prompt to do administrative tasks without actually logging onto another account.

You can execute a previously downloaded application:
runas /user:adminsistrator update.exe

You can open an elevated instance of firefox:
runas /user:administrator firefox.exe
note- you might need to add the path to the app and put quotation marks if the path has a space like:
runas /user:administrator "C:\Program Files\Mozilla\firefox.exe"

You can open an elevated command prompt and then the applications that you run from that elevated command prompt will be elevated:
runas /user:administrator cmd.exe
in the elevated command prompt: notepad

The only problem with this is that there is no visual cue for which applications might be running elevated. Be careful, pay attention, and close them when you're done.

 

[manhunter2826]

Thanks smah

 

[linney]

If you want Windows to notify you of updates then it may be necessary to actually logon as an Administrator user once every couple of weeks to check for available updates. Alternatively you could check manually when logged on as an Administrator.

Actually it is worthwhile checking the site manually because the Automatic Updates only supplies you with Security Updates and you miss out on the Recommended Updates available for download.

 

[manhunter2826]

Thanks also Linney.