Q. My son gave me a computer that he got for a good price from his company when they upgraded. The only problem is that whenever I turn it on, it asks for a password when I get to the Windows screen.

I am the only one using it and don't need a password. Is there a way around this annoying "feature" in Windows 98?

A. The computer you got from your son was probably at one time connected to other computers via a network card in the PC. If you are the only one using the computer (not sharing with others who have saved profiles) you can eliminate this annoyance.

Here's how to remove the password prompting in Windows 98.

You will notice an icon called Network Neighborhood on the desktop screen. Click on it with your right mouse button (called a right-click) and select Properties (with the normal left button) from the menu that appears.

In the box that opens up you will see a setting for primary Windows Logon. Click on the options and choose Windows Logon. Then click OK. You may be asked to restart the PC.

Next time you turn the machine on you will get a name and password prompt. Type in whatever you want for the name but leave the password field blank. Then press Enter. If prompted to repeat the password, again leave it blank and press Enter.

Then the next time you startup you should not have to enter a name or password.

Answered by Tech Expert Dan Hanson