Windows logon password

Just got my new Gateway computer and it is taking time to adjust to all the new features in Windows XP after having Windows 95 since 1995! Currently I find it annoying each time the computer reboots to have to type in the password. I know the password is necessary as that is how we got Norton Internet Security and Live Updates to work via the Task Scheduler (it needed a password!!!). My question is...is there a way to have the computer remember the password so we don't have to type it??
Can't we just boot the computer and let it start just like Windows 95 did, or will that affect the security?
Once again a newbie,
Phyl

 

One way to approach this is to have the machine automatically logon every time you boot up. There are three needed registry changes (if you feel comfortable editing the registry).

After you make these, the logon will be automatic unless you hold down the SHIFT key while the PC is starting which will force it to stop at the list of possible logons and make you pick one.

Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Name: AutoAdminLogon
Type: REG_SZ
Value: 1 enable auto logon (or set it back to 0 later to disable)


Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Name: DefaultUserName
Type: REG_SZ
Value: account to logon automatically


Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Name: DefaultPassword
Type: REG_SZ
Value: pw for DefaultUserName above
Caution: The password is stored as clear text so anyone who knows to look here can read it.