XP setup question

I recently reinstalled XP and when started the computer took me, in time, to my desktop.
Today it takes me as far as a Welcome screen, and I have to click on my user name. I sometimes start the computer when I arrive home, and like to do a couple of other "just got home jobs", then head back to the computer to check emails. Coming back to a Welcome screen, and having to click on a user name to complete start up is is not actually that welcoming, quite irritating actually.
Mine is the only user account on the computer, and that is unlikely to change, how can I persuade XP to take me direct to the desktop. It was doing it this morning, the only change is a restart to complete Comodo firewall set up. Is this the problem?

start > Control Panel > User Accounts

Change the way users logon or off

Unclick: Use the Welcome screen.

Jephree,
5 minutes, not too shabby at all.
As for the solution: your blood is worth bottling (Australian for I am very pleased)

Hi Jephree,
I followed the directions and initially I got straight to the desktop, just what I was wanting.
Now I get a dialog box asking for a password, so I am back to having to click another button before setup completes, NOT want I wanted. Are these 2 my only choices?
And another issue, which may be connected, or may be a coincidence: When I shutdown I previously had three options in a row when I selected shutdown, Standby, Turn Off and Restart. now I get a dialog with shutdown and a drop down arrow , from where I can select restart or other options. I don't like this and wonder if is connected to the changes mentioned above? Suggestions?

Yes the logon and logoff behavior is connected.

If you do not use passwords see the following:

How to turn on automatic logon in Windows XP

The last option is the easy one if you are not on a domain.

Hi Jephree,
I like the look of the second option better, you and I have been down the "regedit" road and I would not prefer a second journey, especially so soon.
If I follow the directions in step 2 and leave the password blank can I start up and get straight to the desktop without having to type a password or click on a user name? I really don't need to password the computer, everything sensitive (online shopping, banking and emails) is already password protected.

Yes it should start right up.

You have a good AV & use a firewall yes? Plus all Windows Updates?

The disadvantage not being password protected is all those remote holes that people use to "take over" other computers.

Also Disable your Guest account.

Thanks,
I will bear the remote takeover in mind.
And yes I have good AV and anti malware software which iis updated and run frequently.
Appreciate the help.

Hi Jephree,
Followed the instructions on the MS link, and ended up with having to type my name into a dialog box. I have gone back and undone the changes and still have to type my name into a dialog box.
Where does Erunt keep its backups? Time I took advantage of taking your advice and installing Erunt, but looking at the Erunt webpage I can't see where it stores the backups.

C:\WINDOWS\ERDNT

Are you the only account on the computer?

If so this should do it:

Click Start, Run...

and enter: CONTROL USERPASSWORDS2

Uncheck: Users must enter a username and password

Click Apply.

Enter the desired user name to log on to and the password for that account, if any.



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