Here's the deal, I had some major problems after I deleted some users and am now trying to get the system back to it's 'normal state' I have lost all my e-mail addresses, no sign of then when I search for files containing text and more... Now I have noticed that when I select Administrative tools, rather getting a list of items, I get a tag saying empty.. Also note that if I set program access and Defaults in the add/remove programs, my changes are not saved. Can anyone help me with this, many thanks.

looks like you deleted the default user map. Restore the default usermap, login as admin and look if you see them. If so copy the admin profile to the default user

Hi ooglenzl, I managed them (The tools) listed in control panel, created shortcuts and pasted them into the programs list under Administrative tools. I am the admin on this computer [well I seem to be] is a way to check this, I seem to able to do any changes. Not sure how to copy one profile to another, or even change form one to another, win2k is all new to me and I'm still struggling with the logic.

To switch to a different user (profile) just Start -> Shutdown -> Log Off... Of course you will have to create another account. I suggest a regular user account just to mess around with. You can also create an additional account and make it a member of the Administrators group in case the default one gets hosed. It is always a good idea to rename the default Administrator account for security reasons also. Enuff? Easy way for me is to right-click on "My Computer" and select Manage, then select Local Users and Groups in the left pane (under System Tools). Right click in the right pane to create, rename, delete accounts, set passwords, etc. This method can also be used with XP Professional Be careful - 98% of the population is asleep. The other 2% are staring around in complete amazement, abject terror, or both.

BTW - you should also go here to see how to install the Recovery Console. Really helps sometimes when things don't work right. All this can be done with Windows 2000 Professional and XP Professional. If you have XP Pro also installed on the same computer, install it's Recovery Console, can be used for both OS's. How To Install the Windows Recovery Console 98% of the population is asleep. The other 2% are staring around in complete amazement, abject terror, or both.