FAQ: Q17

Link: http://www.ilopia.com/FAQ/FAQ.aspx?id=17

I want the server to automatic log on when I start it, where do I enable this?

A server should not be set to automatic logon. This feature can however be useful for a test server and should not be used in a production environment. By using this feature anoyone who can physically access the server can gain access to all the server's contents, network shares etc. The password is also stored in the registry in plain text, which means that anyone can read the password (even if they only can access the server remotly and are authenticated to read the registry). And again, this should not be used on a production server.

This solution involves editing the registry, if you are not familiar with the registry, do not follow this! Incorrectly usage of the Registry Editor may cause your computer to not boot up.

Click Start->Run and type regedit
Navigate to the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Right click DefaultUserName and select modify, type your user name and click OK
You have probably not the value DefaultPassword, so you have to create it.
Right click the Winlogon folder in the left pane, point to New and select String Value
Type DefaultPassword and press ENTER
Right click DefaultPassword and select modify, type your password and click OK (a blank password will not work)
Make sure that the string value DefaultDomainName is set to the correct domain or computer name
To enable the auto-logon, right click the Winlogon folder in the left pane, point to New and select String Value
Type AutoAdminLogon and press ENTER
Right click AutoAdminLogon and select modify, type 1 (to enable, 0 to disable) and click OK
Quit the Registry Editor and restart

To bypass the auto-logon and log on as another user, hold down the SHIFT key during the startup of Windows or when you log off.

Link(s):

324737 - How To Turn On Automatic Logon in Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=324737