When I loaded my system, I set up my main user account, of course, as an Admin account. Tried running Windows Update tonight (do it once a week or so) and now see that this account is apparently no longer an Admin account. 1. Has my machine been hacked, and 2. How do I go about fixing the issue? Thanks Joe

Use your restore option

Sorry, I had meant to put another option in my first reply, but got sidetracked, I am back now with this to do option. Once you have created regular user accounts, the default Administrator account vanishes from the Welcome screen, which you see when the computer starts up. Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete twice at the Welcome screen to retrieve the standard logon dialog. You can log on as Administrator from here. To switch among accounts, just click the Log Off button on the Start menu. You'll then see the Log Off Windows dialog box. Click the Switch User button, and you'll be taken to the Welcome screen where you can select and log on to other accounts.

No go. I have PCAnywhere installed - not sure if that has anything to do with it (replaces the login window). One thing to note: I am SURE the accounts (i.e. username specifed) are admin accounts. Also tried one other account I know I had specified as an admin account, and that has no admin access anymore either. Should I try the Repair option from the XP install/upgrade CD? Your help greatly appreciated - Joe

You try your options before install/upgrade. Try this url, it may help you http://www.xptuneup.com/tip0050.htm#marker36

Couldn't get that to work. Prompted me with the same user name, which was no longer flagged as admin. (I tried logging in with the account it came up with and I still could not get to User Mgmt from the Control Panel, nor run Windows Update. From the XP Home CD - ran the Repair option (the one AFTER you F8 through the initial 'load windows?' question and EULA. Worked fine - reran Windows Update a few times to pick up everything I needed and now it seems to run fine. Just don't know what caused the problem in the first place. Thanks for the tips - appreciate it. BTW I'll keep that XPTuneUp site on my Favorites - seems pretty good. Joe