Help with Boot-up

foreright · 24 Jun 2010 at 13:12

Till yesterday my XP run PC booted straight to desktop. However after a problem with .NET and uninstalling and re-instaling it as per Microsoft instructions. I now boot to a screen asking which account I want to boot to, although I am the only account and the only option.
How can I eliminate this page and return to a straight boot to desktop. Cheers.

Pho · 24 Jun 2010 at 13:16

start > run > control userpasswords2

uncheck 'Users must enter a user name and password..' press OK and type in your username/password.

foreright · 24 Jun 2010 at 13:49

I don't have to enter a password. I am confronted with a small box with my name which I have to click to access the desktop.

Pho · 24 Jun 2010 at 13:54

You mean the login screen? Then leave the password box blank when you do the above.

If you don't know your username you can find it in the list of users below the checkbox you have to uncheck above.

foreright · 24 Jun 2010 at 14:29

Sorry if I am missing the point or not explaining myself properly.
Before the bootup did not stop at all and went to desktop. Now it stops at a login screen which has my name in a box. It does not require any password but I have to OK the box to enter desktop.
I want to return to the old way where I booted straight to desktop and not stop at a login screen.

Scythe · 24 Jun 2010 at 14:35

Common problem, due to .net installer creating a new user. Google 'XP auto login'

foreright · 24 Jun 2010 at 14:43

I unclicked the box with the usernames and after apply I was taken to the admin page. I did not enter passwords thinking that was the right way. Now I am taken to a screen in boot up saying that I cannot enter windows. I click ok on that and am taken to the logon screen. So, I am now worse off.

Even if I enter a password I am taken to the earlier screen

After another google hit, I found this "For Windows XP Home, don't try to auto-login as the built-in Administrator, as you'll receive an error message"

Noow what should I do?

Pho · 24 Jun 2010 at 15:21

Try holding down the shift key after you turn the computer on, it should let you bypass the auto login and bring you to the original login screen again. Alternatively try safe mode (keep tapping F8 after you turn the PC on until the menu comes up).

Microsoft themselves say it will work with XP Home so I'm not sure what's happening for you.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315231