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I found this in a few different places around the 'net - hopefully it's helpful:

Automatically Log On a User Account in Windows XP

This article describes how to automatically log on a user account during the Windows startup process.

Note: This process only works if the computer is not joined to a domain.

Requirements

  • The Welcome screen must be available.
  • Guest account access must be turned off.
  • There must be only one user account on the computer.
  • The user account must not have a password.

Make the Welcome Screen Available To make the Welcome screen available:

  • Click Start > Control Panel > User Accounts.
  • Click Change the way users log on or off.
  • Click to select the Use the Welcome screen for fast and easy logon check box.
  • Click OK.

Turn Off Guest Account Access To turn off Guest account access:

  • Click Start > Control Panel > User Accounts.
  • Click the Guest account.
  • Click Turn off Guest access.

Remove the Password from a User Account To remove the password from a user account:

  • Click Start > Control Panel > User Accounts.
  • Click the user account.
  • Click Remove my password.
  • Type the password in the Type your current password box, and then click Remove Password.
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Dani AI

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As ’s post shows, the “Welcome screen + no password” route is the quickest way to get XP to boot straight to a desktop. That method is purposely limited (single local account, no password). For situations where a password must remain set, multiple accounts exist, or the PC is domain‑joined, there are safer and more flexible alternatives.

The commonly used alternatives are:

  • The legacy User Accounts dialog (run control userpasswords2 / netplwiz) to configure automatic sign‑in for a local account. (support.microsoft.com)
  • The AutoAdminLogon registry method (set DefaultUserName, DefaultPassword, and AutoAdminLogon under the Winlogon key); add DefaultDomainName if the machine is domain‑joined. (learn.microsoft.com)
  • Sysinternals Autologon, which writes the credential into the Local Security Authority (LSA) secret instead of leaving it as a plain registry string. This is easier and safer than hand‑editing the registry. (learn.microsoft.com)

A compact registry example (for reference only — do not paste live credentials):

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

DefaultUserName = <username>
DefaultPassword = <password>
AutoAdminLogon = "1"
(DefaultDomainName = <domain> — if domain‑joined)

Important security notes: the plain registry approach leaves the password exposed (stored as clear text in Winlogon), so it is only appropriate on physically secured machines and preferably for a low‑privilege test or kiosk account. Autologon.exe stores the secret differently (LSA) but those secrets can still be recovered by an administrator. (learn.microsoft.com)

Troubleshooting and context: pressing SHIFT during the first logon bypasses AutoAdminLogon; certain policies (logon banner, EAS restrictions) can block autologon. If the Welcome screen reappears after a .NET install, a hidden ASPNET account may have been created — Microsoft documents that behavior and the fix. Also note Windows XP reached end of support on April 8, 2014; running XP with automatic logon increases exposure to modern threats and should be avoided where security matters. (learn.microsoft.com)

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