Administrator user account for Windows XP?

Infopackets Reader Marie B. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I am the only user of my computer which has Windows XP installed. How do I sign into my computer as the 'administrator', rather than as my individual name? I understand that administration access is required to make certain changes to Windows. I don't need to adjust anything at this time, but would like to know how to do this in the future (just in case). "

My response:

As far as I understand, the "administrator" account name is disabled under Windows XP for security reasons. For example: imagine how easy it would be for anyone to hop onto your computer, type in "administrator" as the user account, and then try and guess your password. If someone knows you well enough, guessing the password might not be all that difficult.

It is possible to have a user account with administration access, however. By default, if you're the only person using the computer, your user account should have administration access. You can check your account access level by going to Control Panel -> Users. Your user name should be listed with the access level directly underneath.

Update 2004/10/20: This article has been updated. Click here to read!