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Have you ever wondered how to create a hidden account in XP so that it is on the computer but not the welcome screen? It is fairly easy to do but be warned. It does use some more advanced features of Windows XP. However you can not go wrong if you stick close. Enjoy.

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Steps

  1. Create a Hidden Account in Windows XP Step 1.jpg
    1
    To do this, you need administrative privileges. If you don't have them, please view the article down the bottom on how to log in to the hidden administrator account.
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  2. 2
    First of all, you need to create the account. If you wish to hide an already existing account, skip to step 4. You probably know how to do that. User accounts. But here, for the reason of speed, go to start and then to run. Type 'lusrmgr.msc' and click ok.
  3. Create a Hidden Account in Windows XP Step 3.jpg
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    Go to users. Right click and say New User. Create the user and then go to the 'Member of' tab. From here, you may manage the privileges of the user you are creating. Most people will opt for an administrator account. To do this, click on the current group assigned to the new user and click remove. Then, click Add. In the pop up window, type in administrators then click Check Names. Apply and close these windows.
  4. Create a Hidden Account in Windows XP Step 4.jpg
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    Open the run dialog, and type regedit. This is where it starts getting complicated. To start off, go 'File-Export' and save the registry to a safe file on your computer where you will not forget about.
    • Navigate Very Carefully to the following directory: My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList
      Create a Hidden Account in Windows XP Step 4Bullet1.jpg
    • This key location does not exist past windows XP, so in Vista and afterwards you must navigate as far as you can then create keys from there on. This can be done in the tree menu by right clicking and choosing Key.
  5. Create a Hidden Account in Windows XP Step 5.jpg
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    Once in this directory, right click on the right panel and select New - DWORD Value.
    • Give this the EXACT name of the account you want hidden. Click OK and click back on the directory navigator on the file you have opened. Then, hold left on your keypad until everything is minimised. This will return everything to its normal state ready for next time.
      Create a Hidden Account in Windows XP Step 5Bullet1.jpg
  6. 6
    You have successfully created a hidden account.
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Tips

  • If you have any problems, leave a comment on the discussion board.
  • To access your hidden account, first log off

. If the last account accessed was just switched, it will not work. When at the welcome screen, you will not notice your new account-this is good. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del twice. Enter all necessary fields and press enter.

  • To make the account visible, just delete the WORD

Value, or change it to 1.

  • Some computers running various types of windows (e.g. Home, Basic etc) may not be able to access lusrmgr

.msc, however the same can be done using the normal user manager. Simply press start, click on your user image and continue from there.

Warnings

  • Be very careful when in Registry Editor. You can very easily mess up your install of Windows! It is recommended that you go 'File-Export' to back up your registry before doing any editing.

Things You'll Need

  • A computer running Windows.

Related wikiHows

How to
Create a User Group in Windows XP

How to
Login to the Hidden Administrator Account

Article Info

Categories: XP Instructions

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