If you have XP Home Edition, it might not work.

i have XPpro sp2, a fresh build from a slipstream disc i made myself.

was the registry key supposed to already be there, or was i supposed to add it?

Because i did add it, adn it made no difference at all?

Yes, you are supposed to add it, and if I recall correctly it worked for me when I tried it many moons ago.

http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/1165/

Have you renamed the Administrator account??

when you say "Have i renamed the Administrator" account,

I have added a changed the original administrator to a limited user and created a new administrator, and thats it. Is that what you mean?

Ah, it's possible that we're getting somewhere with your problem.

First of all, changing the original Administrator account to a Limited User: BIG mistake, change it back. You should always create a "backup" admin account, just in case, which you have done. What is the name of this new admin account?

Are you trying to hide/show the original Administrator account, or are you trying to hide/show the new admin account??

I usually have the problem of accounts still appearing after ive changed or amended the registry tweak given, and usually works in the following order:

1. Create an admin account using the user accounts in Control Panel (ill call this sysadmino)

2. Once created go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList

right click for a new DWord value name it sysadmino and give it a value of 0

3. Reboot and you should be done.

If you have files on the old admin account you can easily copy them over using another account.

I know this is probably the same info already given however i thought the order that you should perform the above task may be something that you may want to take a look at.

im trying to hide teh new admin account. the name is Gavin

So, try this ...

System Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList]

Value Name: Gavin

Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)

Value Data: (1 = show Gavin, 0 = hide Gavin)

... and restart.