Administrator Account

**Brink**

How to Enable or Disable the Real Built-in Administrator Account in Vista

Information

In Vista, even though you are using an Administrator account, you still run with Standard account privileges. When a program or a action by you tries to run with administrtors rights, you must first give it permission before it is allowed. This is the User Account Control (UAC). The hidden real Built-in Administrator Account does not use UAC and is like the one in XP with full rights on your computer. For more information, see: Microsoft Help and Support: KB942956

WARNING

If you enable the hidden Built-in Administrator Account, it is recommended that you do not use this account all the time since everything installed and running on your computer will also have full access to computer too. Instead, I would recommmend that you use it for administrative purposes only, and then use a Standard or normal administrator user account that is restricted for everyday tasks for better security.

NOTE

A) This will not delete your current account. It just adds a new account named Administrator that is the real administrator account in Vista.
B) If you do not have any other administrator account on your computer, then you will automatically startup into the built-in Administrator account when you boot into Safe Mode. See: How to Start Vista in Safe Mode

RELATED LINKS:
1. How to Logon Automatically at Startup in Vista

2. How to Elevate Administrators UAC Privilege Level in Vista

3. How to Turn UAC On or Off in Vista

4. How to Create a New User Account in Vista

5. How to Take Ownership of a Item in Vista

6. How to Enable or Disable the User Account Control (UAC) Blacking Out of Screen in Vista

7. How to Change a User Account Type in Vista

8. How to Create a Password for a User Account in Vista

9. How to Restore the Administrative Tools Shortcuts in Vista

10. How to Start Vista in Safe Mode

Here's How:
1. Open the Start Menu.
2. In the white line (Start Search) area, type cmd.

NOTE

You can also click All Programs (Programs for Classic menu) and Accessories to see cmd.

3. Right click cmd (at top) and click Run as administrator. (See screenshot below)

cmd_Start_Menu.jpg

4. Click Continue button for UAC prompt.

5. To Enable the Hidden Built-In Administrator Account -
A) In command prompt, type: net user administrator /active:yes and press Enter. (See screenshot below)
B) Go to step 7.

CMD_Enable.jpg

6. To Disable the Hidden Built-in Administrator Account -
A) Type: net user administrator /active:no instead. (See screenshot below)

WARNING

Make sure you are not logged into the Real Administrator account when turning it off. Use a regular administrator account to do this instead. It will not work if you try to disable the built-in Administrator account when you are logged on it.

CMD_Disable.jpg

7. You will get the message, The command completed successfully. If not, repeat steps.

NOTE

If you are still unable to enable the built-in Administrator account from here, then try this again in Safe Mode instead. See: How to Start Vista in Safe Mode

8. Close command prompt.
9. Log off (in Start Menu) and you will see your new real built-in Administrator account next to your current account(s).

LogOff.jpg

10. Click on the new Administrator account display picture icon and log on to it.
11. You should give this account a password for better security.

NOTE

See: How to Create a Password for a User Account in Vista

12. You will then need to set up it's desktop preferences like any other account.

That's it,
Shawn

**Asky** · 06-01-2007

Neat,Thnx man

**Brink** · 06-01-2007

Hi Asky,

Glad you like it. I was tired of that restricted account too.

Shawn

niconicolino · 11-18-2007

I do what you said but in the cmd appears a number 5 error. Access is denied. Please help.

**Brink** · 11-18-2007

Hi Niconicolino,

Welcome to the forum.

You will need to right click on CMD and click Run as administrator, even if you are doing this in a Administrator account.

Shawn

shank · 01-06-2008

Safe m8 i tried that tutorial and it worked but. even wen im on the admin account it still wont allow me to activate the windows side bar please help!

**Brink** · 01-06-2008

Hi Shank,

Welcome to Vista Forums.

Is this the tutorial you tried? It should help.

How to Fix Windows Sidebar not Starting in Vista

Shawn

shank · 01-06-2008

Ive tried that m8 it still sayin that its managed by the system admin wen i im and i unlocked the hidden admin account

**Brink** · 01-06-2008

Shank,

Even after this: How to Enable or Disable Windows Sidebar in Vista ?

Did you install or change anything before this happened? (Ex: Gadget or settings)

Shawn

shank · 01-06-2008

no m8

i tried that way and it didnt work i tried both wayz aswell if your fed up be in my shoes i dont understand why it wont work its stupid

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