I created a new account on my laptop to make some changes, but when i created the new user account I lost the option to load the origional administrator account. and I can't find it under control panel but if i try to change the user name to the previous name im told it already exists, but why can't I logon as the origional user? Can Anyone Help Please

The main Administrator account is by default hidden as soon as any new administrator account is created.

The only access to this account in XP Home is via Safe Mode.

Under XP Pro Run... control userpasswords2 to view. To access press Ctrl + Alt + Del on the Welcome Screen. This account should be named Administrator unless you have changed it (which is also a good idea for security reasons).


Under most circumstances the "built-in" Administrator account is not used and left as a "fail safe" account. Most professional installers will immediately create a new account removing this other from most peoples sight. Hence as soon as a new admin account is created it disappears unless tracked as above.