A. First, you MUST be logged on as an Account Administrator. Go to the Control Panel (Start-Control Panel) and click on User Accounts. The first window instructions are to Pick a task… Click on Create a new account. Name the new account by typing in the name and click Next. Pick an account type-whether it will be a Computer administrator account or a limited account-and click on the radio button (the circle).The final step is to click on the Create Account button. When you restart your computer, the new account will be one of the accounts shown.

Q. How do I change my password in Windows XP?

A. After you log in go to the Control Panel and click on User Accounts. As a limited account user you can Change your password, Remove your password, Change your picture or Set up your account to use a .NET Passport. When you click on Change my password, you must type in the current password and then the new password you want to use. The new password must be typed in a second time to confirm it and then a password hint must be typed in. Finally you may click on the Change Password button.

Note: Remember that passwords are case sensitive; if you use a combination of upper and lower case letters, you will need to always type them the same way. A combination of seven or more characters in a combination of uppercase, lowercase, and numerals will be the most difficult to figure out, but possibly the hardest to remember as well.

Q. How do I use a password reset disk to start the Password Reset Wizard?

A.A new feature in Windows XP is a Forgotten Password Wizard. The wizard helps you create a "password reset" disk that can be used if forget your password and are unable to log onto your account. This disk can be used by anyone to reset your password and have access to your account. Create the disk by clicking on "Prevent a forgotten password" in the Related Tasks section of the left column in User Accounts.

At the Welcome screen, when you type in an incorrect password, a message opens that reads, "Did you forget your password?" Click on the link for "Use your password reset disk" to start the Password Reset Wizard. Follow the prompts to insert the disk you made, to enter a new password and confirm it, type a new password hint and then click on the Create new password button. You can then type in the new password and have access to your account. In case you need it again, be sure to stash your disk in a secure place where YOU WON'T FORGET WHERE YOU PUT IT!