Startup

[Sophy]

I went to set up a new account and discovered I have to set up my email and everything and I don't want to lose all my folders and such. I think I will just stick with the account I have. I am the only one who uses this computer.

I want to thank everyone who has responded to me, especially since I posted in the wrong section for some of it.

I finally am getting some responses from BitDefender so perhaps they will get things straightened out.

I haven't had any more beeping. I do fear that may have been a warning of some kind, but guess I'll just keep going and see what happens. I have contacted Dell about it so they are aware, and I do have a 5 year extended warranty so hopfully if something serious goes wrong they will stand by the warranty and replace whatever part/parts necessary.

Again, thank you to all! I appreciate your time and effort.

[submix8c]

1 - I've tried setting up a regular user account before (rather than using the administrator account I have) and my desktop is practically empty. It's like all the programs I've downloaded are lost. How do I remedy this?

2 - And then, if I want to do an update or download something, do I have to switch back to administrator's account?

3 - And does not using the administrator's account affect the Windows Updates?

1 - all of the Desktop and Start Menu items stored/created in the Administrator account will be in "C:\ Documents And Settings\userid\Desktop" folder and "C:\Documents And Settings\userid\Start Menu", where "userid" is the signon name you used as the Administrator account. Normally, all will be simple shortcuts (a little arrow beneath it). If there is no arrow, then it's either probably something common to the "All Users" userid (also under Documents And Settings folder) or maybe something stored in the Desktop folder (an installer program, a document you stored there, etc.). While signed on as the administrator, copy those items (the Desktop folder and Start Menu folder) to a common folder (e.g. C:\TEMPTEST) then log on as the Regular User and see if you can run them (mainly the shortcuts; the other items may already be executed, as in installers so DON'T run them again). If they work, you can (under the Admin account) move them to the "All Users" folder and they will be accessible to everyone. This can be changed via Policies (another subject) for who and who cannot run a program (where the shortcuts usually point to).

2 - No, but number 1 will apply (in reverse), unless the account is limited to not allowing.

3 - Not AFAIK; Windows/Microsoft Updates will happen regardless.

In short, study up on Pre-installed Users and the types of User Groups there are, what they can and can't do, and how to manipulate them (DO NOT mess with pre-installed groups; make a new group called TEST and fiddle with that). and search, search,search, before posting a new topic that has already been visited (the answer is probably already there).

HTH

edit - You didn't lose a darn thing. it's all as I stated above (some things are in other folders than what I said though). If you're referring to e.g. Outlook Express, it's irrelevant unless you use POP3/SMTP (another subject); if you go to the Web Email site then you should be able to sign in using the original account. If you want to stick with the Admin account, make sure you have a strong password. Generally, it's not safe to use an Administrator Group account unless you are very careful. I do (Admin), but I practice (I hope) safe surfing.

Edited December 9, 2008 by submix8c

[weEvil]

Again, thank you to all! I appreciate your time and effort.

So after all of this, you decided not to do anything about anything.

[COOLCOMPUTERGUY]

Sophy, if tour still there and startup times are sometimes slow try removing any disks you might have in your removable storage since sometimes the optical drives take a long time to discover some home burnt disks. This often works.

[Sophy]

Thank you submix8c for the detail on accounts. I do practice safe surfing.

The only removable storage I have is an Iomega external hard drive. I only turn it on when I want to do a backup or save something on it, but I did try unplugging the drive and it didn't seem to make any difference.

I mentioned that BitDefender is finally working with me. They had me uninstall and reinstall, but this time told me how to get rid of everything when I uninstalled and it has made a huge difference. Since reinstalling this time my startup has improved considerably. I have over 200 days to go on my license with BD. I may decide to go with something else when the license is up and I appreciate all the input I received on security programs.

As to searching, searching, searching ... believe me, you have no idea the hours I spent Googling all the problems mentioned in this post. I've had my hands slapped a lot for not posting to the right place and other things. I'm thinking this forum may be for those with a little more knowledge than what I have and that there's really not a lot of patience for a dummy.

Again, I thank all of you who have been kind enough to try and give me some input on these issues.