Cannot log into XP Mode

crimson · 21 Nov 2009

I installed XP Mode.
(Downloaded from MS page: Download Windows XP Mode)
On my first run, I activated Administrator in "Local Users and Groups".
Then I logged off, and tried to log in as Administrator. It gave me this error.

So I logged back in as XPMUser by entering my password.
Then I went to User Accounts, and removed the password.
Then I switched to full screen, and it took me to the logon screen.
Now it is giving me the same error that it did earlier when I tried to logon as Administrator.
I get this same error whether I try to login as XPMUser or Administrator:

What happen?

It won't allow me to get out of fullscreen.

Kari · 21 Nov 2009

XP Mode does not allow user accounts without password. You have to use a password. If you want to use limited accounts, they have to also be added to user group Remote Desktop Users (read the tutorial here).

If you have removed your password from the default XPMuser account and you don't have any other administrator account, you have to reinstall XP Mode.

Kari

EDIT, almost a year later: The above mentioned is not true. Sorry. Please read this post for correct information.

crimson · 21 Nov 2009

OK. Thank you.

HughShaw · 21 Nov 2009

But don't worry because it saves your username and password for you. :)

Kari · 21 Nov 2009

Yes, if you only use the default XPMuser account the credentials are saved. If you add more accounts, you have to assign a password to each account. If there's no account with a valid password you have to reinstall.

Kari

crimson · 23 Nov 2009

This is a huge problem. If somebody installs XPMode, then goes in to User Accounts to turn off the password, the whole application crashes beyond repair. This should never haapen.

Kari · 23 Nov 2009

Crimson, it's true what you say. However, XP Mode is intented to business users and in the business world nobody can even think of using Windows without the password. What I mean is you can only blame yourself if this happens; if you dont want to use any passwords then don't create any additional accounts and XP Mode logs you always automatically in with the default XPMuser credentials.

There is a way to use XP Mode without the password. You just have to disable the integration features. If you do so, then my question is why do you need the XP Mode? Without the integration features it's just a toy.

Using computer without a password is like sex without the protection; it's nice, easy and fast but often leads to problems.

Kari

jimbo45 · 24 Nov 2009

Kari said:

................if you do so, then my question is why do you need the XP Mode? Without the integration features it's just a toy.

..............................
Kari

Hi Kari

not quite true as it is a way of running XP in a VM without having to get a Key.

I prefer currently vmware over MS virtual pc and find the UNITY feature in vmware streets ahead of MS in performance etc - but the idea is good. Perhaps after a few "upgrades" where decent graphics and considerably enhanced performance will be delivered this product will actually be fine for business users.

(With VMWARE UNITY you still need to have an Activated copy of Windows XP - I'm messing around converting a XP MODE vm to vmware format and seeing what happens).

Cheers
jimbo

Kari · 24 Nov 2009

jimbo45 said:

...
With VMWARE UNITY you still need to have an Activated copy of Windows XP - I'm messing around converting a XP MODE vm to vmware format and seeing what happens.

Cheers
jimbo

I'm interested in hearing how it goes? Do you need to convert both XP Mode base and vhd or just vhd?

Kari

jimbo45 · 24 Nov 2009

Hi there
just got one BSOD at boot so far by just converting the vhd with vmware converter .
need to do a bit more research

what I might have a go at next is to backup the Virtual PC (not in integration mode) with Acronis and then restore it with the "Universal restore" feature which allows you to restore an OS on to dissimilar hardware.

Another ploy might be to to a V2P and then a P2V conversion.
I've got a few meetings this morning so it'll be a little while before I can get back to some "Real Work" again.

Cheers
jimbo