Member Avatar for born2run

I just bought a new hp laptop for my daughter. After booting the machine and creating backup systems disks, I went to User Accounts and setup a new account for myself with Administrator rights. I then changed my daughter's account to a Standard User.

Next, I booted to my new account. When I went to confirm the setup, it said I was a Standard user as well as my daughter's account. There are now no Administrators and I can't load any software. Please help!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by BlackleyBerk

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A short follow-up that expands on what worked for and gives alternatives that avoid a full reload. was right that restoring from the recovery/backup discs is the simplest guaranteed fix, but it erases installed programs and custom settings. ’s suggestion to use recovery software is also valid — there are less-destructive ways to restore Administrator rights when every visible account is Standard.

If any System Restore point exists, try the Repair options first (boot F8 or use a System Repair Disc) and run System Restore. Safe Mode (F8) can sometimes reveal the built‑in Administrator account; if it appears and is accessible, that account can recreate or promote other accounts.

If no restore point is available, the Windows 7 install/repair media can provide a command prompt to re-enable or promote accounts. From the Repair -> Command Prompt (confirm the Windows drive letter first), back up then replace the Ease-of-Access executable so a SYSTEM prompt can be opened at the logon screen:

dir c:\windows        (adjust drive letter if needed)
cd /d c:\windows\system32
ren utilman.exe utilman.exe.bak
copy cmd.exe utilman.exe

Reboot to the logon screen, open Ease of Access to get a SYSTEM prompt, then run:

net user Administrator /active:yes
net user Administrator NewPass123
net localgroup Administrators ExistingUserName /add

After gaining admin access, restore the original file (copy utilman.exe.bak utilman.exe) and remove any temporary passwords. If the disk is BitLocker-encrypted or uses UEFI/Secure Boot, these methods may not work.

As an alternative, offline tools like Offline NT Password & Registry Editor (chntpw) can edit the SAM to reset account membership, but they require care and a backup of personal files first. For prevention: keep at least one dedicated admin account, create a System Repair Disc and regular system images, and test recovery media before making account changes.

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Member Avatar for Laser

I would just reload from the backup disks. This time create your account first and once you've logged on you can create your daughter's account as a standard user without affecting your account.

Member Avatar for born2run

It worked! Thank you!

Member Avatar for BlackleyBerk

Pls use any recovery software. Boot again and recover your Account first. I will be hope u can recover your daughter account.

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