How to let Windows XP auto-login?

[blahsome]

I must have done something right the first time I installed XP as it allowed me to go directly into Windows without providing a password, despite that I created a user account with administrator privileges during installation.

I liked that because security was not my concern. However, I just re-installed XP and this time it gives me a welcome screen and asks for password. How can I change it to the old way of just auto logging in?

Thanks.

 

[vetteguy]

I think XP defaults to "Welcome Screen" mode, where you don't have to enter a password. You can turn this on or off through Control Panel>User Accounts>Change the way users log on or off the computer. If "use Welcome Screen" isn't checked, you will have to enter a password. Also, I think that if you only have 1 account set up (like I do) then it will automatically log you in if you use the welcome screen. (By the way, if the forum craps out as I'm posting this again I'm not retyping for the third time, so I hope it posts)

 

[blahsome]

I have only 1 account, and I'm using the welcome screen, but it's asking for password. :|

 

[Boobers]

I had the same problem and I finally found the answer.
Go to Start->Run and type the following:

control userpasswords2

(type this all in the "Run" box with a space between the two parts)

Un-check the "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer"
It should now ask for a default user account to login as, so select one from the list.

Also, if you want to use blank passwords (which is useful when using mapped drives on a home network), try this:

Go to Start->Run and type the following:

gpedit.msc

Then navigate to Computer Config -> Win Settings -> Sec. Settings -> Local Policies -> Sec. Options

In the right window, double click on "Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console login only". Click on "Disable". Now you can logon with blank passwords (which is especially useful for mapped drive access).

I hope this helps you out, as it took me an awfully long time to figure it out.

 

[Abzstrak]

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

 

[Boobers]

Why edit the registry when you don't have to?

Stay out of the registry and use "control userpasswords2"

 

[blahsome]

Thanks, that certainly worked!

However, it's not entirely the same as Windows XP's default behavior. I have another machine, which logs on automatically, and there's a big "welcome" during the logon. If you type "control userpasswords2" on that machine, it'll show "Users must enter a username and password to use this machine" as enabled and show no default user... Weird...

On the other hand, on the other machine I disabled the above checkbox, and entered a default user, and was finally able to auto-logon. But during the logon, screen shows "Loading user settings" or something like that, instead of a generic "Welcome"...

Don't you love Microsoft?

 

[Boobers]

Huh, that is wierd...

Most of my machines say "Loading user settings" at startup. But, I do have one machine that I "upgraded" from W2K to XP, and it still has the W2K startup, login and shutdown screens, but with the W2K logo replaced with the XP logo. BTW, I would recommend a fresh install when changing OS's, as my upgraded machine sometimes does wierd stuff...

 

[Abzstrak]

<< Why edit the registry when you don't have to? >>



because its faster, easier, and you can know EXACTLY what the outcome will be instead of letting some program do it for you...

 

[Boobers]

The procedure I recommend is the proper way to do it, not some registry hack.

 

[Abzstrak]

<< The procedure I recommend is the proper way to do it, not some registry hack. >>





You really should do some research before making stupid comments. Just because your scared to edit files and such directly doesn't mean its the wrong way.

Go ahead here and see what Microsoft says about the proper way of doing it. They list the registry "hack" as the primary method and your method as a secondary alternative, because your way only works if you not a domain member.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q315231
Linky for the clickers

 

[Boobers]

Whatever, Abz.

I was hackin' files on my Commodore Pet probably before you were born, and am not "afraid" to alter anything. Most people should NOT tamper with their registry. If they are on a domain, they are probably on a business network and should not be using auto-login in the first place.

I am sorry for making "stupid" comments (while trying to help someone). At least I have manners and don't have to belittle others to make myself look smart.

BTW, if you bother to read the whole document that you posted a link for, you'd see that the procedure I suggest is for WinXP Pro and Home, while the registry method works for all XP versions, including 64 bit.

 

[Abzstrak]

<< Whatever, Abz.

I was hackin' files on my Commodore Pet probably before you were born, >>



lol, I was in the game before the commodore...



<< and am not "afraid" to alter anything. Most people should NOT tamper with their registry. If they are on a domain, they are probably on a business network and should not be using auto-login in the first place.

I am sorry for making "stupid" comments (while trying to help someone). At least I have manners and don't have to belittle others to make myself look smart.

BTW, if you bother to read the whole document that you posted a link for, you'd see that the procedure I suggest is for WinXP Pro and Home, while the registry method works for all XP versions, including 64 bit. >>



I'm not the one who started by claiming that other methods are improper. I agree they should not be using autologin on a domain, and did not claim otherwise, I was simply pointing out a shortcoming of the method you presented. I dont see why people should not tamper with the registry as long as they backup first, both links I provided stressed this sufficiently so I saw no reason to state it myself. And I dont expect to make myself "look smart", thats why I provided links, rather than trying to explain any method as my own.

And, so you know, I never post a link without reading it. and I seldom post anything I have not tried myself.

 

[Boobers]

Once again, I don't have to put people down to make myself feel good or seem smart. I see in your profile that I'm not the only one who has rated you a "1", on a scale of 1 to 10.

BTW, which computer did you own that was before the PET? Oh, I know, you hand built your own ENIAC. Whatever. Maybe if you knew how to make friends you wouldn't waste all your time on-line cutting other people down when they try to help others.

I don't have time for your childish nonsense, son.