The easiest way to enable Autologon is to install TWEAKUI, then go to the Network Tab and just fill in the boxes. It can be done manually through the registry by following the instructions below:
- Start regedit.exe (Start - Run - regedit)
- Open the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon
- Double-click the DefaultDomainName and fill in your domain name
- Double-click the DefaultUserName and fill in login name
- From Edit menu, select New String Value and enter DefaultPassword as name of value
- Double-click the DefaultPassword and enter in the password
- From Edit menu, select New String Value and enter AutoAdminLogon as name of value
- Double-click the AutoAdminLogon and set the value to the number 1
- Close regedit
- Log off and you will be automatically logged in again
You should also make sure DontDisplayLastUserName (also under the WinLogon key) is set to 0.
The instructions above should only be done by someone who is happy with using the registry editor. Below is an example reg file that could be used:
REGEDIT4
\[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\]
"DefaultUserName"="User"
"DefaultDomainName"="Domain"
"AutoAdminLogon"="1"
"DefaultPassword"="Password"
It is also possible using a program called autolog.exe that comes with the resource kit. Just run the executable and fill in the information.
To log on as a different user, you need to hold down the shift key as you log off.
You will have to use regedit32.exe to disable write permissions to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon" if you want to be able to log off and log in as another user but still have the "original" user as the autologon.
- Start regedt32.exe
- Move to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\Winlogon
- Select Winlogon
- From the Security menu, select Permissions and adjust so write permission is removed for normal users.
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