In Microsoft Windows XP, each person who uses the computer should have a separate account. Accounts can have either Limited privileges or Administrator privileges.
The computer should have:
- At least one account with Administrator privileges that is used only when an action requiring administrator privileges, such as installing software, is necessary.
- An account for each user with Limited privileges. Use the Limited accounts for normal activities in order to lower the risk of being infected by malware.
Note: If your computer is part of a domain, your local technical support will set up the correct accounts and privileges. You should not change these without discussing it with your technical support contact. The following instructions won't work if you are working from a domain account.
If you have been using an account that has Administrator privileges for normal activities but are now switching to use a Limited account instead:
If you are setting up a new computer:
Set Up a New Account with Administrator Privileges
- Follow the directions at the Microsoft Create and Customize User Accounts page. in Step 5, be sure to choose Computer Administrator as the type of account.
Change the Privileges of an Account from Administrator to Limited
Note: Be sure that you are logged into the account you are planning to KEEP as an administrator account before starting this procedure.
- From the Start menu, choose Control Panel, and then double-click Users.
- Click Change an account.
- Click the name of the Administrator account you're switching to Limited.
- Click Change Account Type.
- Click Limited.
- Click Change Account Type.
Set Up a New Account with Limited Privileges
- Follow the directions at the Microsoft Create and Customize User Accounts page.
