Technology Notebook

Windows::Autologon

Enable Automatic Logon in Windows 2000
This option is not available for Windows 2000 Server or Advanced Server.
Preventing the Password Prompt in a Non-domain System

1. In Control Panel, double-click
   Users and Passwords.


2. Click to clear the Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer check box.
   NOTE: This option does not appear on a system that is a member of a domain.


3. Click the Advanced tab.


4. Click to clear the Require users to press Ctrl-Alt-Del before logging on check box.

Enabling Automatic Logon on a Member Workstation
WARNING: This will likely be a serious security problem. Anyone booting this system with this registry modification will be logged on to the system with the user's security credentials.

1. Start Regedt32.exe and locate the following registry key:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon



2. Establish your domain name, account name, and password, using the values you would normally type when logging on. You should assign the following values: DefaultDomainName, DefaultUserName, and DefaultPassword.
   NOTE: The DefaultDomainName and DefaultUserName values may already exist. The DefaultPassword value may not. If it does not, create it. To do so:
   1. On the Edit menu, click Add Value.
   2. In the Value Name box, type DefaultPassword.
   3. In the Data Type box, click REG_SZ.
   4. Click OK.
   5. In the String Editor box, type your password. Click OK and save your changes.
      NOTE: If no DefaultPassword string is specified, Windows automatically changes the value of the AutoAdminLogon key from 1 (true) to 0 (false). This disables the AutoAdminLogon feature. This behavior also occurs if the DefaultPassword string is specified but the password is left blank or null.
3. On the Edit menu, click Add Value. Type AutoAdminLogon in the Value Name box. Click REG_SZ in the Data Type box. Enter 1 in the String box. Save your changes.
4. Quit Regedt32.exe.
5. Shut down Windows and turn off the computer.
6. Restart your computer and Windows 2000. You should be able to log on automatically now.

From Microsoft Support Article 234562