Hidden away in the Windows directory is a separate utility that can be used to perform certain user administration functions not provided in the normal interface. Instead of typing “control userpasswords2″ into the run box, you can just add it as an icon in your Control Panel.

The original idea to do this came from Kelly’s Korner, but her script doesn’t work right on Windows Vista, so I modified it and have provided it here for everybody.

To get to this alternate User Accounts screen after installation, first select User Accounts in the Control Panel.

Now you will see the new item named “User Accounts Admin (Alternate)”.

For those of you unfamiliar, you can use this utility to manage saved network passwords or require Ctrl+Alt+Delete.

You can also use the Users tab to enable auto-login by unchecking the box for “Users must enter a user name and password”.

One of the other benefits of adding this to the control panel is that it will now show up in the start menu search box:

Installation

Simply download and extract the zipfile and double-click on the registry hack file included. To remove, double-click on the remove script.

Download AddUserAccountAlternatePanel Registry hack for Windows Vista

Windows XP users can use the registry hack from Kelly’s Korner.