Windows XP Skips "Welcome" Screen and Automatically Displays the Desktop After Upgrade from Windows 2000

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This article was previously published under Q305906

SYMPTOMS

After you upgrade a Microsoft Windows 2000-based computer, Windows XP Professional may start directly to the desktop without stopping at the Welcome screen or requiring you to type a username and password.

If you then create a new user account, you may not receive any option that allows you to log on by using the new account.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if Windows 2000 was configured for automatic logon (Autologon). Windows XP inherits this configuration setting.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, turn off the automatic logon feature and require a username and password at logon:

  1. Click Start on the Windows taskbar, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type control userpasswords2, and then click OK.
  3. In the dialog box that appears, click to select the Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer check box, and then click OK.

To work around this behavior, log off from the Autologon account, and then log on by using the new account.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

This behavior does not occur if the computer is a member of a domain.