Solved Lost administrator access via registry

Chris4 · Apr 11, 2012

Hey guys,

I set up a netbook for my mother with Windows 7 Professional x84. She's a complete beginner.

I altered the registry so that:

It hid my 'Chris' (admin) user account, leaving just her 'Mum' (restricted) account, and
it would automatically log in to Windows with her account.

Now I can't seem to find a way to regain Administrator privileges / log into my account. I've tried:

Changing the registry back - I can't as no admin privileges on her account.
Booting to Windows Repair - I can login as myself, then I've tried various options such as:
1. System Restore - doesn't go far back enough.
2. Using the Command Prompt to make changes (e.g. Registry Editor, net user administrator /active:yes) - however the changes only affect the temporary (X:\) Windows Repair, not the actual Windows 7 installation, even when changed directory to C:\.
Re-installation of Windows 7 via DVD (keeping files/settings as they are) - however to perform this it can't be run from boot, and you need to be logged in to an administrator account.
Safe Mode - No help, the same problems occur.

Other than formatting and reinstalling the OS, are there any other options you can think of to regain admin access?

Thanks,

Chris

seavixen32 · Apr 11, 2012

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

It's a great pity you didn't backup the registry before you edited it.

Really, you didn't need to hide your admin account, just give it a password so that no-one else can use it.

I'm hoping that others will have fresh ideas, but other than a format and reinstall I can't see any other way out.

Chris4 · Apr 11, 2012

seavixen32 said:
Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

It's a great pity you didn't backup the registry before you edited it.

Indeed. I didn't realise I'd be so difficult to change it back. I'll know for future.

seavixen32 said:
Really, you didn't need to hide your admin account, just give it a password so that no-one else can use it.

I hid it so it was easier for her to get started with Windows, didn't require clicking on her account that way. Regret doing that now though.

seavixen32 · Apr 11, 2012

If you know which registry key you deleted/changed, we could perhaps e-mail the correct one to you.

Chris4 · Apr 11, 2012

seavixen32 said:
If you know which registry key you deleted/changed, we could perhaps e-mail the correct one to you.

I wouldn't be able to import them on a restricted user though.

writhziden · Apr 11, 2012

You could enable the Administrator account through the Recovery Environment (RE) and change the registry that way. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/102552-built-administrator-enable-winre.html

seavixen32 · Apr 11, 2012

Post #5: True, never thought of that one.

It seems a format and re-install is the only way out. Did the computer come with a recovery disc?

On the other hand, writhziden's idea seems a good call.

Chris4 · Apr 11, 2012

writhziden said:
You could enable the Administrator account through the Recovery Environment (RE) and change the registry that way. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/102552-built-administrator-enable-winre.html

It worked! Thank you

writhziden · Apr 11, 2012

You're welcome. I am happy it worked.

Oh, forgot to mention: Make sure you disable the built-in administrator account when you are done getting things set up the way you want them.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/507-built-administrator-account-enable-disable.html

Chris4 · Apr 11, 2012

writhziden said:
Oh, forgot to mention: Make sure you disable the built-in administrator account when you are done getting things set up the way you want them.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/507-built-administrator-account-enable-disable.html

Already done

seavixen32 · Apr 11, 2012

A good call that by writhziden. Pleased to see your problem is resolved.

writhziden · Apr 11, 2012

Chris4 said:
writhziden said:

Oh, forgot to mention: Make sure you disable the built-in administrator account when you are done getting things set up the way you want them.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/507-built-administrator-account-enable-disable.html

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