Kill the password prompt in Windows NT


Tip
Every time you boot to Windows NT you need to press <Ctrl>-<Alt>-<Delete> and type in your password. If this seems to be an unnecessary bother, there is a way to kill the password prompt and make NT log you in automatically -- with a few simple changes to the Registry.
It's simple, but not risk-free. Because messing with the Registry can have dire consequences, make sure you have the NT emergency repair disk you created when you installed Windows NT; it can repair problems with the Registry if you goof up. If you don't have an emergency repair disk, create one before proceeding: choose File--Run in Program Manager or File Manager (Windows NT 3.51) or Start--Run (Windows NT 4.0), type rdisk and press <Enter>.
Now for the real fun. In File Manager or Program Manager, choose File--Run (version 3.51) or Start--Run (version 4.0), type regedt32.exe and press <Enter>. Click the title bar of the HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE window to bring it to the front. In that window, navigate to Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon. With the Winlogon key selected (it looks like a folder), make sure the DefaultDomainName and the DefaultUserName entries are those you normally use when you log on. Choose Edit--Add Value. For Value Name, type DefaultPassword. Make sure REG_SZ is selected in the Data Type drop-down list and click OK. In the String Editor dialogue box, type your password and click OK. Next, double-click the entry for AutoAdminLogon, change the 0 to a 1 and click OK. If you don't see an entry for AutoAdminLogon, add one like this: choose Edit--Add Value. Type AutoAdminLogon. As before, make sure REG_SZ is selected in the Data Type drop-down list and click OK. For String, type 1 and click OK. Finally, choose Registry--Exit.
The next time you log on to Windows NT, your password will be processed automatically. But remember that now anyone can use your machine, and your password is emblazoned in the Registry Editor for any savvy user to read.
- Scott Dunn

Category: Windows NT
Issue: Jun 1997
Pages: 159

These Web pages are produced by Australian PC World © 1997 IDG Communications