Resolved
RESOLVED !!
... thanks to "Elizabeth23" for getting me started in the right direction.
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WHAT I HAVE DISCOVERED:
# 1. Some windows updates undo some personal settings ... eg, on single user PCs, a login screen suddenly appears
(even though you know you are the only person to use the PC)
- Windows updates auto create a new "User" ... "asp.net" just to freak you out, its harmless. (WinXP)
except it can complicate the cleanup after Windows has fiddled with your settings
# 2. There are TWO "User Accounts" windows/dialogs with identical names -- but they perform different functions
Both are required to customize the PC to "Bypass login" ... in my experience
# 3. Get a good nights sleep + two cups of coffee to tackle this if you are a newbie.
# 4. If an [Apply] button is enabled "click it" otherwise all your work is for nothing
WHAT I DID TO ENSURE BYPASS THE LOGIN SCREEN:
- is only applicable on single user PCs where the user is "Administrator/Owner"
Overview:-
[A]
Owner account must not have a password
Guest account must be disabled
Windows updates can create a new account "asp.net" -- which might the reason you are here
- so "asp.net" account must be disabled or deleted
Administrator account can have a password or not (your choice, I do without)
"Use welcome screen" must set to True (checked) otherwise the login nag returns
"Fast switching" must be False (unchecked) .. I suspect login nag returns if not
Disable "User must enter a user name and passwords to use this computer"
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HOW:-
[A]
Start > Run:= control userpasswords
[OK] btn
User Accounts (window)
- white stylised window (is a child of "Control Panel") -- ie, Start > Settings > Control Panel > User Accounts ... then ??
- I found the Run-command more direct
.....
Pick a task ...
* Change an account ... (link) ... Click
Pick an account to change
Guest Account ... click
- "Guest" account must be "OFF" -- (if there is a guest account)
<- Back (btn)
Owner Account: ... Click
(might be subtitled "Computer administrator" on single user PC)
"What do you want to change about your account?" ... (owner account)
* Create password (link) ... click
- ensure both "Type a new password" + "Type the new password again" fields are empty
no spaces nor any characters
Password hint ... leave it empty, because there should be no password for this owner-account
[Create Password] btn
.....
<-- Back (btn) ... to "Pick an account to change" window
<-- Back (btn) ... to "Pick a task" window
* Change the way users log on or off ... click
"Select logon and logoff options" window
[x] Use the Welcome screen <<< CHECKED ... this is temporary to access loggin names
[ ] Fast Switching <<< UNCHECKED
[Apply Options] btn
- auto changes back to "Pick a task..." window
to quit "User Accounts" click on the quick escape [x] btn on title bar
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Windows updates can sabotage these settings
How?:
- Windows updates adds a new account "asp.net"
- so if you suddenly find you are asked to log in,
then "asp.net" must be disabled or deleted (I opted for deletion and nothing has fallen over yet)
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Disable "User must enter a user name and passwords to use this computer"
How?
Start > Run:= control userpasswords2 <<< note the trailing "2" on this command string
[OK] btn
User Accounts (dialog)
- a grey dialog with two tabs
- I found this a good place to delete the "asp.net" account (optional)
Users (tab)
- any changes to any account on this tab-page can only be made if ...
[x] User must enter a user name and passwords to use this computer ... (is checked)
- after you are done with tweaking passwords and disabling/deleting "asp.net"
Finally...
[ ] User must enter a user name and passwords to use this computer <<< UNCHECKED
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Whats the [Properties] btn for ?
- To ensure the single user is Administrator/Owner
Select the "Owner" in User Names listbox
[Properties] btn click
Owner-Dxxxxxxx\Owner Properties (dialog)
- for single user PCs you might want to ...
Group Membership (tab)
(o) Other:= Administrators ... on drop down list
[Apply] btn
[OK] btn
Finally ...
[Apply] btn
- "Automatically Logon" option dialog
- don't freak -- this is MS Windows
- if you set the "Owner" password earlier just press OK
- for the paranoid amongst us, make sure Password + Confirm fields are empty
(If this dialog is for Administrator password, it is because admin was the selected account
(before you unchecked "User must enter a user name and passwords to use this computer"
[Apply] btn ... must be clicked if it is enabled
[OK] btn
