Hi, I have a user listed in C:\Documents and Settings that is not listed in "user accounts". If I simply delete it then it comes back later. It is not showing in System Properties/advanced/user profiles either. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Mike

What is the name showing in D & S, or is that a secret ???? Also may help to know what Version of XP you are using. ???? Most Virus and Spyware scans are likely to work better in Windows Safe-Mode.

C:\Documents and Settings\Mike\Application Data\Thunderbird\Profiles\ but it's our secret OK :-) Thunderbird has long been under a different user name ( \Michael - and that's a secret too) and the above one doesnt' get used. My XP version is listed at the top, Windows XP SP3 thanks for the reply, Mike

My XP version is listed at the top, Windows XP SP3 That is not the Version, or I should say Edition. Do you have --- XP Home Edition XP Professional XP Media Center Edition Don't tell anyone.

No answer ?? So I will take a stab at it. I would guess that that account is a Customized Default User Account. You might look in D & S to see if you a 'Default User' showing there. C:\Documents and Settings\Default User If you do not, then the one you cannot delete is a Customized Default User Account. Windows Help says --- default user The profile that serves as a basis for all user profiles. Every user profile begins as a copy of the default user profile. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/319974 How to create a custom default user profile

I did respond that I'm using XP professional and someone then gave a link to a political page and now they have both disappeared. Any I think the mistake that I must have made was .. "Caution You will cause permissions issues if you create the custom user profile when you are logged on as the administrator". I will look into this. Thanks, Mike