Lost administrator access via registry

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  1. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #1

    Lost administrator access via registry


    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:
    1. It hid my 'Chris' (admin) user account, leaving just her 'Mum' (restricted) account, and
    2. 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:
    1. Changing the registry back - I can't as no admin privileges on her account.
    2. 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:\.
    3. 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.
    4. 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
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #2

    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.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    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.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #4

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


  5. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    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.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #6

    You could enable the Administrator account through the Recovery Environment (RE) and change the registry that way. Built-in Administrator - Enable from WinRE
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #7

    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.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #8

    writhziden said:
    You could enable the Administrator account through the Recovery Environment (RE) and change the registry that way. Built-in Administrator - Enable from WinRE
    It worked! Thank you
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 11,269
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
       #9

    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.

    Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable
    Last edited by writhziden; 11 Apr 2012 at 16:11. Reason: disable built-in administrator when done
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Thread Starter
       #10

    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.

    Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable
    Already done
      My Computer


 
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