How to Enable Automatic Logon in Windows NT

How to Enable Automatic Logon in Windows NT

the information in this article applies to:

• 
  
  Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.1, 3.51, 4.0
• 
  
  Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.1, 3.51, 4.0
• 
  
  Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server
• 
  
  Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
• 
  
  Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Use the Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe) to add your logon information, as follows:

1. 
   
   Start REGEDT32.EXE and locate the following Registry subkey:

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
DefaultPassword

NOTE: The DefaultPassword value may not exist. If it doesn't, from the Edit menu, choose Add Value. In the Value Name field, type DefaultPassword. Select REG_SZ for the Data Type. In the String field, type your password, and then save your changes.

Also, if no DefaultPassword string is specified, Windows NT automatically changes the value of the AutoAdminLogon key from 1 (true) to 0 (false), thus disabling the AutoAdminLogon feature.

3. 
   
   From the Edit menu, choose Add Value. Enter AutoAdminLogon in the Value Name field. Select REG_SZ for the Data Type, enter 1 in the String field, and then save your changes.
4. 
   
   Exit REGEDT32.
5. 
   
   Exit Windows NT, and then turn off your computer.
6. 
   
   Restart your computer and Windows NT. You should be able to log on automatically.

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

It is also important to note that if the DONTDISPLAYLASTUSERNAME value is set to 1, Autoadminlogon does not function.