An Administrator account is required to install programs and change most Windows settings. If you are using a personal computer, most likely the account you are using is already an Administrator. Otherwise, you must be logged in as Administrator to complete the administrative tasks you wish to complete. See Step 1 to learn how.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Windows XP Home
Step 1. Turn on the computer in Safe Mode
If you are using Windows XP Home Edition, you can only access the Administrator account installed in it from the Safe Mode login screen. To start the computer in Safe Mode, restart the computer, then press and hold the F8 key. Choose Safe Mode from the startup menu that appears.
If you are the only registered user on the computer, chances are that your own account is an Administrator account. You can confirm this by opening the Control Panel and selecting User Accounts. Find your account, then look for the word "Computer administrator" in the account description section
Step 2. Select the Administrator account
When the Welcome screen appears, you will see a user labeled Administrator. Click the account to log in as Administrator.
- Most users don't have an Administrator password, so leave the password field blank first.
- If you have set an Administrator password when installing Windows, you must enter it before you can log in as Administrator.
Step 3. Get your password back
If you lose your Administrator password, use a recovery program to access and change the password. Check out this article for a detailed guide on downloading and running OPHCrack, the password cracking program.
Method 2 of 2: Windows XP Professional
Step 1. Open the Windows Welcome screen
Click Start, then select Log Out or Switch User. This will take you to the Welcome screen, where you can select a user account.
If your account is the only one registered on the computer, chances are that your account is already an Administrator. You can confirm this by opening the Control Panel and selecting User Accounts. Find your account and look for the word "Computer administrator" in the account description
Step 2. Open the Windows NT login window
When you are at the Welcome screen, press Ctrl+Alt+Del twice to open the Windows NT login window.
Step 3. Enter the Administrator account information
If you have created an Administrator account, type in the account name and password to log in. If an Administrator account has never been created, type "Administrator" into the "User name" field and leave the Password field blank.
