Windows XP and Passwords

[darthshearer]

I want to set my XP up so that when I boot up you have to log in.

I want this because my bro and my sister sneek on it when Im out and they generally aint got a clue about what they are doing and they may mess it up AGAIN, my bro also enjoys "ART" websites

Anyway I want it to boot up with said password box and so that when I log on I get everything I want and when they do so they get jack and just the start thingy to close down the machine!

So how can this be done?

Thanks

 

[nath]

Windows XP always has a login screen doesn't it?

Do you have the welcome screen and you just have to click the username to log on? If so, you'll need to change your password.

I think this can be done from control panel> users and passwords, or something to that effect.

 

[Testin da Cable]

yes, there's a toggle for "use passwords to login" or words to that effect. also, make sure there's only one user with admin rights and give him a really hard password. all other users non-admin, and use those for a day to day thing.

 

[Jonty]

Hi darthshearer

As both nath and TdC hint at, you need to go to 'Control Panel' > 'User Accounts.' Click the 'Change the way users log on and off' and make sure the 'Use the Welcome screen' is enabled. After applying the options, make sure account says 'Computer Administrator' underneath it. Once you're sure of that, click on your account and choose the 'Create a password' option.

Now, if you need to, just create seperate accounts for your brother and sister. You can, if you want, make these 'limited' accounts (an option when setting them up), but this means their privileges will be very restricted (e.g. they won't be allowed to install new software, change system settings etc).

Once all that's done, next time you boot you will be prompted to choose and account and login If you need any more help, since the above instructions aren't particularly clear, then just shout

Kind Regards

 

[Clowneh!]

my bios also has summat that makes you type in a password before actually loading up windows

 

[(Shovel)]

Assuming this is XP Home, try as TCD suggests, making all the other accounts Limited. It's a (sensible) *nix theory really

Sadly, Some Games have issues with being limited. 2 of my siblings play The Sims, it refused to run outside of an Admin account, so we have to upgrade everyone. It pissed me off really, but there's nothing I can do. I think there are some command line based User Account control apps, but I've not been able to find anything else to control them manually.

 

[Jonty]

Hi (Shovel)

Yeah, I encountered that privilege permission too with some games on my home PC. Like you say, I believe there is a way to give specific applications the rights they need to run the game on a limited account, but in the end I just ended up upgrading everyone as you did.

Kind Regards

Jonty

P.S. Clowneh!'s right that there may be a password option in your BIOS, but that's not so suitable in this case, even if it does have it's uses in other instances.

 

[TedTheDog]

I followed the instructions on this site and found I'd achieved a pretty secure couple of machines.

 

[Testin da Cable]

Originally posted by Jonty

Yeah, I encountered that privilege permission too with some games on my home PC. Like you say, I believe there is a way to give specific applications the rights they need to run the game on a limited account

tbh I find XP pretty poor at permissions :/ anyway, iirc there's a "poweruser" thing that lets you install and play games I think. prolly in the link TTD just spammed

 

[Jonty]

I just did a quick search and there seem to a lot of fixes and work arounds now. This Microsoft Knowledge Base Article (#307091) may also be of some use.

Kind Regards

 

[darthshearer]

Thanks all I shall read