UPDATE and Q about user accounts

[Seamus]

As I write this the other box is formatting. I will then set up as much as I can off line.


I has been suggested to me that I set up a seperate account for normal use,and password protect that amd admin.

I think I undertstand the the logic,but am not sure how to this this:

I would like the account to have access to everything,but to able to make system changes,THAT would need admin approval.


AND will doing such a thing give me any protebtion?

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

I agree with that suggestion. I also suggest creating a separate admin account (optional, but extra security!) and password-protect the default admin account and delete his profile.

Under 2000 or XP this is accomplished by:

Log in under "Administrator" (or whatever default admin is called - usually "Administrator" by default)
Opening up COMPMGMT.MSC (type it in "Run" dialog or command prompt)
Go to "Computer Management (Local)" -> "System Tools" -> "Local Users and Groups" -> "Users" to get a list of users.
Create one user account (or two if you are creating another admin)
Double-click on the user account you wish to make a standard user
When the properties dialog comes up, go to the "Member Of" tab.
Click on "Add..." and in the input box that pops up type "Users"
Click OK and then when back in the "Member Of" tab, remove "Administrators" from that list.

If you have created another admin then (optionally) follow these steps:

Log out of the default admin (usually "Administrator")
Log in to the new admin you created.
Go to the Command Prompt and type in the following:
RD /S /Q "C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator"
This will delete the Default Admin's profile so be careful if you have stuff in there.
Also you MUST log into the default admin for this to work.
Run COMPMGMT.MSC while in the new admin account.
Go to "Computer Management (Local)" -> "System Tools" -> "Local Users and Groups" -> "Users" to get a list of users.
Right-click on "Administrator" and rename it to something rather silly but which you can remember for future reference.
Then double click to reveal the properties dialog for the default admin. Set a strong password for it and (optionally) disable it.

These instructions are quite "order-sensitive" and some can be difficult so let me know if you have trouble with them.

Note that some legacy apps may not like this setup depending on what files they use.

[KeithW]

I've been running XP for as long as I can remember and I never had a seperate user account, even though all the experts said it is advisable to do so.

I have now a new PC and I'm using Windows 7, again I do not use a seperate account. I am careful what I do on the net though and this is your best defence against the dark nasties out there.

The other thing I have done recently is to get rid of all my third party anti virus/spyware/malware programs (they have all got bloatware syndrome) and gone over to Microsoft Security Essentials only. My PC is as solid as a rock now and fast, someone at Microsoft did listen after all.

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

I'll be waiting until 2011 when my NOD32 license expires and then go onto this MSE thing. It sounds like it is worth it. However if it wants .NET installed then forget about it.

[Seamus]

Thanks Croc


What's the practical difference between doing as you suggest amd doing it via contol panel user accounts?


PS Having two screens in front of me is a fascinating experience.

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

The difference is that the XP control panel has a wee bit o trickery involved. It does not always display "real user names" as such and does not have a lot of configuration options.

You could try typing "control userpasswords2" into the run dialog to get the Windows 2000 style config, which is much better than XP's potentially deceptive config. XP's config is more suited to "families" who want to "share an experience" or whatever MS says... basically it is for those who have lots of trouble creating user accounts.

But when XP user account panel renames the accounts, it will not actually rename the user. It will edit the "Full name" instead.

[Seamus]

Thanks Croc.

Currently I'm a bit distracted by a lack o found;the system does not recognise the device. (neither the Dell or a generic set )

I reinput the drivers and checked the device manager the did a check for all sound driver updates.None were found.


Google indicates this a common problem after a reinstall with XP. I downloaded a programme called 'Belarc Adviser' which gives a full profile of my PC,but don't yet know how to read it to find the right driver(s)

The sound was fine right up until the format. I'm tempted to think this may be a stuffed sound card. If that's so, too bad; it;s an inconvenience, not a disaster.

Might take a while ,but I'll sort something out. Any suggestions are welcome,as usual.

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

It is highly unlikely that a simple format could have stuffed up the sound card. Do you have a Dell ResourceCD by any chance? If so these will contain the necessary drivers on it.

I remember back in 2004 I used to have a Dell as well. It is quite natural for Dell hardware to be not recognized by Windows without drivers.

[Seamus]

It is highly unlikely that a simple format could have stuffed up the sound card. Do you have a Dell ResourceCD by any chance? If so these will contain the necessary drivers on it.

I remember back in 2004 I used to have a Dell as well. It is quite natural for Dell hardware to be not recognized by Windows without drivers.

That's what I thought. However,as I said,the problem seems to be a common one. This was not a simple format. According to Mr Black,Dban wipes stiff a simple format does not.


Yes, I have almost a full set of Dell resource discs (I lost the OS disc) and reinstalled all of the drivers.

The system will not recognise Generic speakers either although I get a bit of feedback noise when I plug in the speakers.

[Seamus]

I get my Windows Drivers HERE (http://www.driverguide.com/). It's a pain in the bum to use and contains way too many adverts, but at least it contains some of the harder-to-get drivers. Sign up with an email address you don't use.


Thank you. I did that ,it found 24 drivers which it reckons need updating.

My policy on updating drivers is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Do you know how I an identify the right driver?

[Seamus]

@Seamus: I seem to remember we have been here (http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/) before with Dell's Seekrit Partition.

So we have. (http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=3666)


Now as then, a bit late. :(

[Sir Patrick Crocodile]

While DBAN does wipe everything off completely (as opposed to a format) it only interacts with the HDD and not the speakers or sound card.

Also, to save some hassle, you may wanna really check that everything is plugged in. I learned that important lesson the hard way. ;)