XP Security Forums

Pusser

Normally, when you create your user account on XP it defaults to Administrator rights and of course, you have the option to password it or not.

For extra security, change your account to Limited which does two main things. One, it stops you installing programs, and Two, it stops rubbish off the internet or email from installing. It follows that you then need to change the account back to administrator each and every time you wish to install a program. A bit of hassle but worth it in my opinion as you are not likely to install programs every day. You do need to password this new account of course as with all others and leave it with Admin rights simply to be able to change your working acount back and forth from Admin to Limited as required. You should do this not connected to Internet.

Note..If you are the only account with administrators rights then you will need to create a further account with any name you choose to alter your current account to limited or back to Administrator priviledges. Obviously this new account with permanent Admin rights you never use for anything else other than to change your working account.

For even further security, you should enable guest account and give it a password but of course there is no option for this from the menu. Therefore, using the Admin account (which should also be passworded, you enable Guest account, go to the Run command from the Start Menu, type "cmd" and click OK to get black Dos box up. Type at the prompt "Net User Guest Password" where the word Password you change to your desired password. Thus "Net User Guest XYZ123" and ignore all quotes above as they just signify the start and end of the commands.

This procedure is especially important if you are using wifi.

I expect as usual, my tips are as clear as mud.