Hi

 

I am using Windows XP Pro. When I purchased my laptop last year, someone

transferred all my settings and files from my old laptop. I find that I

have to log on as user, not Administrator. That has not been a problem.

However, I now wish to change the user password and would prefer that I be

the Administrator rather than the user - after all, I am the only person

using my laptop and all the files are mine. Is this possible, and, if so,

how do I go about it? I am terrified of locking myself out of all my files!

Also, I would like to set up a guest account which my overseas friends can

use when they visit. Any assistance would be most appreciated. Many

thanks. Trish

"Trish" wrote in message

news:8167308D-8D1F-4CC7-BB64-CC09561F560A@microsoft.com...

> Hi

>

> I am using Windows XP Pro. When I purchased my laptop last year, someone

> transferred all my settings and files from my old laptop. I find that I

> have to log on as user, not Administrator. That has not been a problem.

> However, I now wish to change the user password and would prefer that I be

> the Administrator rather than the user - after all, I am the only person

> using my laptop and all the files are mine.

 

If you are referring to the built-in Administrator account, then don't.

Please be aware that it is VERY BAD PRACTICE to use the built-in

Administrator account on a day-to-day basis and as your only account on the

computer. If the account gets corrupted, as it may well do, then your ONLY

way into the machine is by doing a repair install of XP. Continue to use

your User account (see below), leaving the built-in Administrator account

for emergency access only.

 

> Is this possible, and, if so,

> how do I go about it? I am terrified of locking myself out of all my

> files!

> Also, I would like to set up a guest account which my overseas friends can

> use when they visit. Any assistance would be most appreciated. Many

> thanks. Trish

>

 

The easiest way is to log on as The Administrator (Press Ctl-Alt-Del twice

at the welcome screen) and change your User account from Limited to

Administrator. Be aware that doing this lessens your security to a certain

extent.