"Administrator" account disappeared

When I first installed Windows XP Pro x64, I left the user account settings at default. This meant I had 1 "Administrator" and 1 "Guest" account.

For security reasons, I wanted to have an account with administrator capabilities, but with a differerent name. I also wanted an account with guest capabilities but with a different name.

So, while I was still logged into the "Administrstor" account, I created another administrator account with the name "Speaker" and a guest account with the name "Bookworm". This is where the problem started.

As soon as I logged out the the original "Administrator" account, it disappeared from the startup screen. Now, the only accounts I have on the XP startup screen are "Speaker", "Bookworm", and "Guest".

I have some browser bookmarks and some Photoshop files which I really need from the "Administrator" account, but I am denied access to the account in the 'Documents and Settings' folder. They are nowhere else to be found, and I can't seem to find a way to get the "Administrator" account back.

 

start > my com... > browse to

C:\Documents and Settings

right-click Administrator > prop... > sec... > remove everyone > add > type Speaker, check names, ok, ok, ok

 

It doesn't work.

Once I right-click "Properties" and then select the "Sharing and Security" tab, all I see is a grayed out "Make this folder Private" check box for Local Settings, and another grayed out check box for "Network Sharing". There is no place to "remove everyone".

Also, this computer is not added to a domain, but is a standalone home computer.

 

This might help you.

Google link using "hide administrator account ~XP" search criteria (no quotes, of course)

http://www.google.com/search?as_q=h...as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&as_rights=&safe=images

Bazza
PS: You might try "unhide administrator account ~XP", as well. Baz

 

I wonder if your os is on FAT instead of NTFS. Or is it non-pro?

http://www.microsoft.com/library/media/1033/windowsxp/images/using/networking/security/68595-click-advanced-in-properties.gif

Mine looks exactly like this.

 

My computer is running Windows XP Pro x64, and it is formatted with NTFS. You might get that screen because you are added to a domain, whereas my computer is standalone.

 

See if the steps below might work for you.

Steve

 

Thank you all for your help. I managed to get in, and everything is good now.

 

Glad you got it fixed teradost.

Steve

 

I know I'm late on this one, and the OP (teradost) was able to get in. But, on default, the security tab doesn't show up, unless one were to uncheck "Use simple file sharing [Recommended] " within the Folder options tab.

Also, on normal boot up, one can press (only in xp pro) CTRL + ALT + DEL (two times) to bring up the logon prompt. Then typing in administrator for the username, and your password.

 

In addition, if one wanted to copy the profile information from one user account, to the a newer one, they can always, right click "my computer" select properties, go to the "advanced tab", then select settings under "User profiles". Here you can select which user profile to copy, and paste into the new account. I do this all the time, on machines, that I setup and copy to the "default user" account. Which in future cases, new users will have all the settings I've created previously.

More info on this:

http://www.petri.co.il/copy_user_profiles_in_windows_xp.htm

 

theefool, good catch. That's kinda standard when installing xp.

I'm not on a domain. Just a standalone xp pro.

 

Standard for those who know about it, but not, for the typical user.

In Vista, it is: Use sharing wizard. Which I of course, turned off.

 

sort of along this topic but not quite ...

I've noticed a lot of people in here posting that in a moment of difficulty with their OS, they were required to enter a password for the administrator account when they'd never given the administrator account a password. Would it be helpful to assign the administrator account a password for the simple reason of overcoming this difficulty should it arise? Or is there some kind of a default password?

It sounds a bit like a glitch in the recovery process.

abri

 

By default, administrator has no password. Just press enter when asked. I always set a password for every account. start > control... > user...

MS takes usability over security. Linux/*NIX/*BSD requires you to enter admin/root password or you can't continue install.

 

Sorry, I was a little bit slow in catching your answer. I understand that the admin account doesn't come with a password, however, I've read in several threads that some cases arose where an administrator password was required, even though none had ever been given. Would it be possible to avoid this particular headache by adding some simple password for the admin account? And would this still leave the other named administrator accounts without a password?
Thanks.
abri