Loss of XP Adm Rights

[dmmaier]

In a fit of brain freeze I deleted the Login Adm Account, (Not supposed to be possible, but I'm here to tell you, it can be done, at least on my system). With only a Guest account I can't change anything on the system, User Accounts functions all require Adm Rights, etc. A previous post indicated use of the task manager to enter an Adm User, but I get no focus so can't enter anything. I'm about to re-install, so any help in the next day or so would be appreciated.

Dave

[david eaton]

Is it possible to use system restore to go back to before you managed this?

[Budfred]

Here is info about doing a Repair Install (http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm) which would probably be less traumatic than a reinstall....

[Paul Komski]

Try:-

Start >> Log Off.
Then choose Log off and dont choose to Switch User; choose Log off again.
Hold Down CTRL+ALT+DEL to bring up the Log On Dialog Box.
Type Administrator into the First Text Box and press enter.

That should work as long as you never changed Administrator (which is a different account from a User with Admin Rights). Most average pc users have not messed with this system account or given it a specific password. If so - Bob should be your Uncle!

If that fails you could try a parallel installation of the OS (like a dual boot but onto the same partition) from which you should be able to at least access all your files.

[dmmaier]

David, without Adm Privelege, I can't access the restore function; Bufred, the link to the repair install is bad; Paul, I know that the Adm password is blank, I've never set it, and subsequently used a hack off the internet to set it to blank, (so I know an Adm Account exists, but is apparently not accessable) however the system gives me an "Unable to log you on because of an account restriction".

Looks like I'm going to research the repair install first, then the parallel, if it's possible.

Thanks.

Dave

[Paul Komski]

After you choose log-off from the Start Button does CTRL+ALT+DEL bring up a log-in dialog box?? I don't mean log-on options on the desktop screen but a separate dialog box should pop up.

[dmmaier]

Paul, I got the dialog box, and was able to enter the name "Administrator', with my blank password. Response was as indicated.

D

[Paul Komski]

Try it in Safe Mode ...

... and read ...

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q290109

[Budfred]

I just tried the link to the Repair Install info and it worked fine... you might want to try it again...

[dmmaier]

Bufred, I tried the link again and it worked, must have been me. Good material, but the kudos go to Paul, I'm back in my comfort zone. Your recommendation to change users in safe mode worked. I got Adm Privlege back and was able to restore my old system settings. If you're ever in Santa Cruz, give me a buzz and I'll take you to Rosy McCanns for a pint.

Thanks to everyone how pitched in.

Dave M.