Changed computer name, lost some administrator priveleges

I'm running XP Home SP2. I've lost some of my administrative privileges, such as the ability to run Windows update and change network settings. However, I do have other privileges such as creating a User. I tried logging in as the administrator in safe mode, and I have the same limitations.

A couple of days ago, I changed the computer name. Could this be the source of the issue? If so, is there a way to change the name back despite the fact that my current privileges will not let me? Would a rollback to a system restore point fix the problem? I'd rather not do that because I've done some significant system cleanup in the mean time and I don't want to lose that work.

I'm pretty sure that I don't have malware, but if that's the verdict, I'll repost in the malware thread after performing the recommended steps.

Thanks for all help.

 

This here from Doug Knox could be the solution. Worked for me once. :-D

 

Thanks, but I suspect that won't do the trick. It will let me log in as Administrator in normal mode. I can already log in as Administrator in safe mode and the permissions are the same as my regular user name. What I need is something that will restore full permissions to all users with Administrator privileges.

 

As admin you can use the program to enable all users as admins - do it one by one.

 

Are you sure, this is not a malware issue? Perhaps you should let the malware guys here on Majorgeeks take a look at it. Sounds like something a hacker could have done. Guidelines here.

 

All users are already admins. The problem is that admins do not have the usual admin privileges.

I'm pretty sure that it is not malware, but you can never be 100% positive. If I don't get any suggestions on changing the computer name back, I'll follow that suggestion.

 

Do you get any error messages when you try? Please but it in here. Text and numbers. Or a screenshot.

 

Here are a couple of the messages:

At Microsoft Office Update

Selecting "View workgroup computers" in My Network Places

The problem first showed up towards the end of an MS Office upgrade when it couldn't change a registry setting. However, I'm not totally disabled from making changes. For instance I started the procedures to post this problem in the malware forum and I successfully removed all prior installations of Java and installed the latest version.

I'm more convinced than ever that my name change is the source of my problem. I figured out how to change the name (Right click My Computer, Properties, Computer Name tab, Change... button). The screen has this warning: "Changes may effect access to network resources." I should know better than do stuff like that at 2:00 AM.

So you would think my problem is solved. Not so fast. It turns out that I do not correctly remember the previous computer name. So anybody out there who knows the default computer name for a Toshiba Satellite, or any Toshiba for that matter, please post it here. I may have to start a new thread to get the name.

 

Perhaps these will have something?

Windows Genuine Advantage Solution Center¨
Microsoft Office 2003 Solution Center
2007 Microsoft Office Suites Solution Center