Be Careful With the Administrator Account!

New subscriber Bob B. wrote with problem that he had created. Unfortunately, he's not the first person with this problem. It seems that, every once in a while, someone tries to "clean up their computer" and messes it up royally...

Terry...
I am new to your site so here it goes.
I tried to eliminate my administrator account on my XP Home so I could just turn on PC and go right to desk top. (no password) I assumed I could do this. I created another user and made it my new administrator. Now I can't down load or add any software. I don't have authority etc!
I just had AT&T install their new fiber optics DSL, TV, and phone bundle etc... Wifee's PC is the hard line, mine is wireless. (Dell XPS 200,XP) When tech tried to install new software and enable my wireless it won't let me cause "I'm not the administrator!!!!. It won't even idintify my neighbors wireless etc??? I tried clicking around and find the new ADM id that I created and it doesn't show in user accounts? The "switch users" icon doesn't exist any more??? My PC is useless to me as far as getting online ect. Can you help? hope I gave you enough info. I even had Dell Remote take a run at it, but the guy from India gave up to???

Bob B.

I wrote back to Bob to tell him that there should be another Administrator account that is only accessable via Windows Safe Mode.

Once you log in with the Administrator account in Safe Mode, hopefully e would be able to use it to recreate your original account.

I also suggested a final option, before deciding to reinstall Windows XP. He can tak it to a local PC shop — not one of the big discount houses — but a local shop that builds personal computers and does repairs.

Bob wrote back to me to tell me he would try the Safe Mode fix.

Terry

THX...

Dell told me to back up my system and reformat my HD and reinstall my OS. They even were walking me through it on phone. bought an external HD 500GB and backed up. Dell guy, from India never got back to me. I have never reformatted before and reinstalled the OS, and don't want to do it without some guidance???
I will try your Safe mode method thx...

Bob

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