This information is provided for your convenience. If the method described in this document does not work, or if you require additional information, contact Microsoft or the computer manufacturer for assistance. 

Logging on to Windows XP Home Edition

When Windows XP Home starts up two different things might happen depending on how your user accounts are configured:

• If you only have one user account, Windows automatically logs on with this account (by default this account is a Computer Administrator). If you choose to assign a password to this account (recommended), you must enter a password for this user at the Windows log on screen (you are no longer automatically logged on).
• If you have multiple user accounts, Windows waits at the log on screen for you to select which user you wish use, and then waits for you to enter a password if necessary.

To log on to Windows XP Home with "Administrator" privileges, log in with any account that you created during the Windows install process, or any other Computer Administrator account. If you are unsure whether your account is a Computer Administrator or a Limited account, see the section "Determine the type of account I am using" below.

Determine the type of account I am using

1 Click Start > Control Panel.

2 Double-click the User Accounts icon.   If you only have one user account, Windows automatically logs on with this account (by default this account is a Computer Administrator). If you choose to assign a password to this account (recommended), you must enter a password for this user at the Windows log on screen (you are no longer automatically logged on). If you are a Limited user, you can only see the icon for your account. Beside this icon is your user name, and the phrase "Limited account."

Available Translations: