That is not the default setting. Someone or something changed it to 0.
Did you ever have another OS multi-boot set up with Win7?
I suggest setting it to 10% if you can afford it, then monitor it. If it changes again, uninstall ESET and try MSE to compare.
Is there a way to find out what software created the user account? Or why it is locked or auto created everytime I restart the computer?
I'm gonna boot into safe mode and delete the account and see if it comes back.
Is this the original Alienware factory preinstalled Win7 which is the worst possible install one can have?
If so I'd do what most tech enthusiasts do and Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 following the steps given to get and keep a perfect install. This will resolve the problem and many others caused by the preinstalled bloatware and duplicate utilities that interfere with better versions built into Win7.
Yes, original install. Ran fine for nearly 12 months until this power loss.
Interesting point: I booted into Safe Mode and delete the offending User profile. Then restarted and booted into safe mode again... The account did not appear. Then I booted into regular windows and the offending account was recreated.
I think I am going to vanilla this OS as I no longer trust it. . . unless anyone else knows how to resolve this issue.
To me with all the problems you are having my suggestion would do as Greg recommended back in post #14.
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
Kill two birds with one stone. You will get rid of that pesky account plus get a proper working Windows 7.
Take a couple reads through the Tutorial By Greg. Greg has helped thousands do a clean install.
Hopefully no hardware was damaged with the power surge.
Gregs off line at the present but he is never gone long.
Do pickup up a surge protector.
Good night to you.
Thank you, Yes - that is my plan.. I do have a UPS/Surge Protector, but it failed... bad battery I should have replaced last month when I thought about it. No surge hit the computer, but the battery back up only had 30 seconds worth of power, not enough time to shut down.
Clean install in T minus 2 days. ^ _ ^
Backup all files and try a clean install... but dont do it before someone else reccomends too.
Thanks for the recommendation. I am that someone. <smile>
I have done clean "vanilla" installs before, many times... Just never ran into the original problem from this post.
I am actually finished with the Clean install and I am now setting up software and doing configuration stuffs.
All is well... Just a lot of extra work to get to the place where I trust my PC again. Also, the UPS now has a shiney new battery!
Great community for Windows 7 here.. I will be back for help and/or to help others.
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