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.

Skip Welcome Screen And Logon Automatically

If you wish your system to automatically logon to a user instead of having to enter a password or select which user. Follow the steps below to Skip the Welcome Screen and Logon Automatically In Windows XP:

In order to open user accounts you must be using an Administrator level account

Click Start--> Click Run--> Type control userpasswords2

Uncheck the box which states 'Users must enter a username and password to use this computer' and apply the setting. You will be requested for the username and password of the account you wish to automatically logon as for following reboots of your system.

At a later stage if you want a password back on your system, follow the same steps but recheck the box.