[fanfun]

Windows XP

You can configure Windows XP to automate the logon process if your computer is not part of a domain.
Computers configured in a business environment generally have a domain and for those machines the option "Users must enter a username" does not appear because a password must be given to access the local area network or domain.
Click Start, click Run, and type control userpasswords2.
This is a shortcut instead of having to click on Start -> Control Panel -> User Accounts.
Uncheck the "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer" check box.
Click Apply.
Enter the user name and password you wish to automatically log on with, and then click OK.
Click OK again and you're all done.

This feature allows other users to start your computer and use the account that you establish to automatically log on. Enabling auto logon makes your computer more convenient to use, but can pose a security risk since anyone can just turn the machine on and access your files.


Windows Server 2003, Family

Use Registry Editor to turn on automatic logon
Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. micros*t cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
To use Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe) to turn on automatic logon, follow these steps: 1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type Regedt32.exe, and then press ENTER.
3. Locate the following subkey in the registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\micros*t\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
4. Double-click the DefaultUserName entry, type your user name, and then click OK.
5. Double-click the DefaultPassword entry, type your password, and then click OK.NOTE: If the DefaultPassword value does not exist, it must be added. To add the value, follow these steps:
a. On the Edit menu, click New, and then point to String Value.
b. Type DefaultPassword, and then press ENTER.
c. Double-click DefaultPassword.
d. In the Edit String dialog, type your password and then click OK.

NOTE: If no DefaultPassword string is specified, Windows automatically changes the value of the AutoAdminLogon key from 1 (true) to 0 (false), disabling the AutoAdminLogon feature.

6. On the Edit menu, click New, and then point to String Value.
7. Type AutoAdminLogon, and then press ENTER.
8. Double-click AutoAdminLogon.
9. In the Edit String dialog box, type 1 and then click OK.
10. Quit Registry Editor.
11. Click Start, click Shutdown, and then type a reason in the Comment text box.
12. Click OK to turn off your computer.
13. Restart your computer. You can now log on automatically.

Notes To bypass the AutoAdminLogon process and to log on as a different user, hold down the SHIFT key after you log off or after Windows restarts.