stop a user from logging on without deleting the account

For Home Edition users, there is no cure for this problem; you must delete the user account if you want to stop a user from logging on, or you can reset the password without giving the user the new password. For XP Professional users, you can disable an account instead of deleting it, but you have to use the Local Users and Groups console to configure this option.

Disabling an account is usually done for specific reasons, namely for security. For example, let’s say you have very sensitive data stored on Windows XP. A particular user may be out of the office for a month. You do not want to delete the account, but you can disable it in order to provide extra security while the user is away.

To disable an account, follow these steps:

1. Click Start--> Control Panel--> Administrative Tools--> Computer Management.

2. Expand Local Users and Groups--> and select the Users container.

3. In the right pane of the console--> right-click on the user account that you want to disable and click Properties.

4. On the General tab--> click the Account is Disabled check box to disable the account.

5. Click OK.

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.

My account does not work with .NET Passport

The .NET Passport feature enables you to integrate your user account with Internet sites in a safe way. Essentially, the .NET Passport allows you to sign into various Web sites that support .NET Passport with a single user name and password. The idea is to make Web usage easier and uniform with your user account. By default, accounts are not configured for .NET Passport support, but you can easily configure your account.

To configure your account for .NET Passport support, follow these steps:

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

2. In the User Accounts window--> click the Change an Account option.

3. If there is more than one user account on your computer--> a window appears that allows you to click the account you want to configure--> Click the desired account.

Prevention:

This window only appears if you are logged on with the computer administrator account. Additionally, you cannot enable someone else’s account for .NET Passport support unless you are logged on with the computer administrator account.

4. Click the Set Up My Account to Use a .NET Passport option.

5. The .NET Passport Wizard appears. In the first screen--> click Next. An Internet connection will be launched if you are not connected already.

6. In the Do You Have an E-mail Address screen--> you can choose to use your existing e-mail address or create a new one for free at MSN.com. Make a selection--> and then click Next.

7. Depending on your selection--> you will need to enter your e-mail address or sign up for a free e-mail address.

copy a user profile in Windows XP

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.

1. Open System in Control Panel.

2. On the Advanced tab--> under User Profiles--> click Settings.

3. Under Profiles stored on this computer--> click the user profile you want to copy--> and then click Copy To.

4. Type the location for the new profile--> or click Browse to select the path.

5. To choose a new user--> in the Copy To dialog box--> click Change.

6. To start your search--> in the Select User or Group dialog box--> type the complete name of the user group--> or built-in security principle you are looking for--> and then click OK.

Managing User Accounts

Managing User Accounts

1. Understand The Nature Of User Accounts
2. Create A New Account
3. Change An Account Type
4. Change The Way Users Log On And Log Off

Understanding User Accounts:

A user is someone who uses a computer. A user account defines, what a user can do using Windows XP
In Windows XP, there are three types of user accounts.

Administrator account:
 The administrator can do everything with the computer and can do anything he or she desires, essentially giving them control over the entire computer, including other accounts. The administrator account can never be disabled or deleted.

Standard account:
 Users with standard accounts can install programs and hardware, change pictures and related personal data, and create, change, or remove his or her password.

Guest account:
 The guest account doesn't require a password, can't add or remove programs from the computer, and is disabled by default. This account type is great for children or students.

To easily manage user accounts, click the User Accounts icon in the Control Panel.