Hidden Admin black screen

[RoWin7]

I don't know if I posted this a few years back, because it's an old problem that I let slide for awhile.

I have one admin account, and I'm the only one using these computers (see my sig). I set them up similarly, so I have a fully functional backup, not just of data, if one is unusable for some reason. They're elder machines. I have external HD images, but made after this problem arose. (yes, I know.)

On the the HP, set up the Hidden Admin some time ago, used it for something, and the next time, the desktop was black, with only the mouse and CTL+ALT+DEL working. I've tested this a few times. My own account works fine.

What's weird is that it's the same black screen in the Gateway, because I don't use it for everyday functioning. In both machines, my own profile is fine.

I've used this tutorial:
Windows 7 black screen after logging in to admin account. - Microsoft Community

I found another tutorial involving the registry, but there's disagreement among the posters.
windows 7 black screen after login, no desktop show up

I didn't touch the registry because the sfc shows no corrupted files. I've run it at several intervals. A-V and MBAM also show no problems.

 

[iko22]

I don't know if I posted this a few years back, because it's an old problem that I let slide for awhile.

If you had a healthy restore point, I would recommend trying that first. Then I'd suggest trying a Clean Startup, see if any third party programs conflict with the hidden admin account. Try STEP ONE of this Seven Forum tutorial:
:ar: Troubleshoot application conflicts by performing a clean startup

On the the HP, set up the Hidden Admin some time ago, used it for something, and the next time, the desktop was black, with only the mouse and CTL+ALT+DEL working. I've tested this a few times. My own account works fine.

What's weird is that it's the same black screen in the Gateway, because I don't use it for everyday functioning. In both machines, my own profile is fine.

Can you hide the hidden administrator account, reboot, then reenable the hidden administrator account. If the problem is unique to that account than following this procedure may well correct the problem that you are experiencing.

I found another tutorial involving the registry, but there's disagreement among the posters.
windows 7 black screen after login, no desktop show up

This thread is more recent than yours. The registry key is in this suggestion. Although that key affects all user accounts, so I doubt that this approach would lead to a solution for you. I shall just include it for disambiguation and completeness:

Suggestion 4: Check the Registry Key Value
=========

1. Restart computer, press the F8 key when the boot menu pops up, select Safe Mode , and boot up.

2. Click the Start button, type regedit in the Start Search bar, right click on the "regedit.exe" found in the list and, then click Run as administrator .

3. Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

4. On the left pane, right click the Winlogon entry, choose Export , select Desktop in the "Save in" box and type backup in "File Name". Click "Save ".

Please Note: The backup file is on the Desktop and named "backup.reg". We can simply restore the registry by double-clicking the "backup.reg" file.

5. On the right pane, check if the Shell key exists. If not, click Edit , New , String Value .
6. Name the new key as Shell , and the value is explorer.exe .
7. Exit Registry Editor.

Source: Forum FAQ:After Logging into Windows 7, a Black Screen Appears and the Desktop is Missing

I didn't touch the registry because the sfc shows no corrupted files. I've run it at several intervals. A-V and MBAM also show no problems.

Problem can also be caused by installing Vosteran search to Internet Explorer. This addon is listed as PUP in some antivirus programs. Running an antivirus program such as MBAM would remove that threat.

 

[RoWin7]

Going through your list:
1--Restore point impractical because the problem is a few years old. I posted it somewhere at the time, but I use my machines for work, and couldn't pursue it.

2--Vosteran--I don't use IE, never have.

3--"hide the Hidden Admin, reboot, then unhide." How do I hide/unhide?

4--Clean Startup--unlike their example, about 100 Win services are running. If one of those is the problem, isolating it will be a PITA. But that would explain why I have the same problem in both machines.

Awaiting a reply before I start t-shooting.

 

[iko22]

Open a Local Security Policy window and uncheck/check Accounts: Administrator account status:

type secpol.msc in the rb: search box, and press enter
in the left pane, navigate to local policies > security options, and
in the right pane, click on Accounts: Administrator account status, then select disabled/enabled and apply it.​

 

[RoWin7]

Doesn't work. Screen still black. I'll move on to the next choice and get back to you.

But my systray sound icon, which has been missing for a week, has come back.:shock: