Enable automatic logon to Windows 2000/XP

This registry edit will enable you to configure your computer to automatically logon to a specific account after booting. Of course you want to use this with care as it defeats the security of having passwords:

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.Note that this setting only applies to the first logon. To enforce this setting for subsequent logoffs, the administrator must configure the following setting:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

   Value: ForceAutoLogon
   Type: REG_SZ
   Data: 1