default user log-in

I have owned a compaq presario laptop with Windows 98 since '99, but I've hardly used it. Lately I'm using it more. No one else has ever or will ever use this machine, so I haven't created a user profile for myself and do not wish to. The default user log-in prompt comes up halfway through startup everytime I turn it on. I have to hit the "enter" key to complete the startup process.

I have tried to search Windows Help Topics to determine how to turn off this prompt, so the computer will complete it's entire startup process without me having to sit there for 3 or 4 minutes, just to hit the enter key. Of course, Windows Help has been no help at all.

I don't have any user prompt on my XP Desktop. I can turn that computer on, leave the room to do other stuff, and when I return my computer is ready to use. I've had the desktop for 4 years, and converted from 2000 to XP a couple of years ago. If I disabled the user prompt on my desktop, I don't remember what i did.

This prompt on my laptop is really a pain. Can I turn it off ?

 

Suggestion

Hi Harold

First off, welcome to the board ..

As to your question.....by far, the easiest way is to grab a utility by Microsoft called "Tweakui" . Download and install it, then goto control panel, click on the tweakui applet, click on the logon tab and create a user logon which will after the first reboot automate the process and you can forget about it. Not to mention, it allows a plethora of tweaks and adjustments in other areas...

http://www.download.com/Tweak-UI/3000-2341_4-2830963.html?tag=lst-0-1

Cheers
Jake

 

The easiest way of fixing this is to right click on Network Neighborhood and select Properties and change the Primary Network Logon to Windows Logon.

Reboot and you should go right into Windows.

 

Additionally you can delete any files under the c:\Windows directory that have the extension pwl (password list), and remove references to your PWL in c:\windows\system.ini or win.ini.

You also have to do what the previous post suggest about "Windows Logon" setting change from "Client for Microsoft Networks" which probably is there since you got the PC.

 

Thanks to all

Man, I'm really impressed with this forum!

This was my first post, and I really appreciate the quick and helpful suggestions from everybody. I emailed Windows support more than a week ago - no reply yet.

But already 3 very helpful tips from you all here in one day!!

Haven't tried any yet, but I am anxious to.

Thanks so much to all. I look forward to deriving more form this knowledge base very soon. Wish I could reciprocate, but I'm just a rookie compared to most people here, I'm sure.

Thanks again, y'all. As Ahnold says, I'll be back.

Harold (Louisiana)

 

One other thing, if you delete all of the .pwl files the next time you boot up it will come to the login screen. Just click OK without putting a password in and the next time you boot up you'll go straight into Windows.