Windows+XP+Home+Security+Tip

Windows XP Home Security Tip

In Windows XP Home Edition there is one major flaw for parents

The security isnʹt as tight as in Windows XP Pro, in the default administrator account.

You can access the default administrator account by booting into safe mode.

From there you can change anything on the computer you want.

The flaw in Windows XP Home Edition rests in the default administrator account which has been by default a Blank password

What does this mean?

Well you normally set limited accounts for your children, spouse, etc.

Then setup an administrator account for yourself.

All of them you make password protected.

In doing this you think your computer is secure and your kids, or their computer savvy friends canʹt get into anything you donʹt want them to while you are away or at work.

If that is the conclusion which you arrived at you are so wrong

If they press the F8 key on boot‐up, and select Safe Mode

They can and will change anything they want and access anything they want. ( Yes worry you should )

Fear not though help is at hand from Lindburgh

I will tell you how to stop them dead in their tracks.

Also your children will think they can outsmart you. Well, weʹll fix that to.

As previously stated in Windows XP Home Edition the default administrator account is used to login to Safe Mode, and by default the password is Blank.

A lot of so called experts hold that there is no a way to change this situation, leave them in their ignorance you will know better.

Go to :‐

Start > Run in the box type without the quotes ʺcmdʺ and click OK.

( Panic not at the Black screen that is normal)

At the Chevron ( > ) prompt type without the quotes ʺcontrol userpasswords2ʺ

A user accounts dialog will come appear.

All the user accounts will be listed.

Place a checkmark in the box that says:‐

ʺUsers must enter a username and password to access this computerʺ

Select Username ʺAdministratorʺ from the Group ʺAdministratorsʺ

Click on ʺReset Passwordʺ

Enter a password.

Click ʺApplyʺ then Click ʺOKʺ.

Delete your children’s user account, or leave your childrenʹs limited account in place.

Now you must change your account password, just in case they know it.

To Exit the CMD/DOS screen just type EXIT and press Enter

Now they will not be able to access your computer

(Except their limited account, if you left it).

Watch them go crazy trying to get in.

Or tell your wife to observe their frustration she will smile and say nothing

Now who’s a winner?