Much like the root “super user” of Unix, Microsoft’s Windows Vista has a secret “master” administrator account which is disabled by default. The “master” administrator account in Vista gives all rights/permissions or total control over your OS; this is great for a Systems Administrator but not for the normal user or power user.
Just like in Unix, it is highly recommended that you run applications, services, and general interactions with Unix as a regular user. When your interactions within Unix require a raised level of authority you can run the command: #sudo su followed by your password. Vista has followed this almost exactly and I am sure you’ve seen this several times like when you install an application, run certain programs, or change system settings windows will display a UAC popup requiring you to accept your actions before you can continue. This “master” administrator account is the equivilant root or super user of Unix.
To unlock the secret administrator account in Windows Vista, follow these steps:
Start> type cmd in the search box> right-click on cmd.exe> select Run as Administrator> type: Net user administrator /active:yes then press enter. Now the next time you log in you will see the ”master” administrator account, which BTW is unprotected so I strongly suggest you set a password (click here for a great password generator). Now if you want to disable the administrator account just follow the same steps above but change the active:yes to active:no (Net user administrator /active:no).
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
great post,i like this.
Just followed your advice for activating administrator account. I followed your advice but I got access denied notice, system error 5. occurred.
@ Andrew Adams, try running the command prompt in administrator mode, error 5 can be a byword for “sorry man you dont have the right permissions”
Can other administrators (aka my dad) take down this super-account?
By this I mean one or more of the following:
1 change password
2 delete
3 change from administrator to a lower account