Users are able to log on without passwords

By default, Windows XP allows the creation of user accounts without passwords. Users simply log on by clicking their account on the Welcome screen. Of course, this setup is not at all secure, and if you want to make sure no one logs on with someone else’s account, then all users need a password.

To configure a password, follow these steps:

1. Log on with the desired account.

2. Click Start--> Control Panel--> User Accounts.

3. Click the Create a Password option.

4. In the Create a Password for Your Account screen--> type your desired password--> type it again for confirmation--> and then enter a password hint if you like. This hint appears on the Welcome screen to help you remember your password; but all users can see the hint, so be careful that the hint does not give your password away.

5. Click Create Password.

Computer Returns to Logon Screen When Idle

Cause

As a safety feature, Windows XP sends you back to the logon screen if the computer is idle for a certain period of time. This can be a real pain, but the problem is easily fixed. This XP security feature works with screen saver functions and you can easily stop it from happening.

To stop XP from taking you back to the logon screen after an idle period, follow these steps:

1. Click Start--> Control Panel.

2. Double-click Display--> and then click the Screen Saver tab.

3. On the Screen Saver tab--> clear the check box that says On Resume, Password Protect.