[newstuff2002]

I have Windows XP Media Center which in this case works JUST like XP Pro.... I also lost my "administrator" status and priviledges after Macaffee cleaned a recently downloaded (but Theoretically not in control) downloader trojan. The user account I always use just disapeared from the list of accounts in the control panel. I can still type it as the response to the signon prompt and it still gives me access to files and programs that I was using under that account. BUT, I can't even change the clock and adjust time. I can't repair programs or install anything because I don't have admin status. I can't delete the account or modify it because it doesn't show up under accounts, BUT, it also won't let me allocate a new account of the same name because it says it already exists.... I know how and have done the necessary security changes to give the now hidden account all the file and folder priviledges, so I can get to my files, I am just crippled and restricted from using all the stuff and shortcuts I had on the desktop . To create a new account is an option, but moving the contents of all my hundreds of libraries to new libraries under a new account name in the fully expanded path is just not practical.... I am also concerned after having been burned lately that I may have to mess with the security tabs that lock up the contents of files created in MS Office that uses the NTFS. I experienced that on another PC recently, but that was eventually fix-able....

The only good news is I had not had a password on the lost account name or I would be out of luck. Is there anywhere I can edit a file or user list to have the one I was using reapear in the list of valid accounts under "Users" in the control panel???