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A computer that doesn't get used much needed updates the other day but it seems to be missing an admin account. I tried to activate it through cmd but since the one account on there is a standard user, it does not have the privileges to execute the commands to do this. I've also tried starting the pc in safe mode with cmd and it pulls up a standard user cmd every time. Any ideas?

user732204
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  • Possible duplicate of [How to get rights of admin after I disabled all admin accounts in my computer](https://superuser.com/questions/1024203/how-to-get-rights-of-admin-after-i-disabled-all-admin-accounts-in-my-computer). The answer I wrote still works for Windows 7, all you need is a Windows 7 ISO, which I explained [here](https://superuser.com/questions/78761/where-can-i-download-windows-7-legally-from-microsoft/1046062#1046062) how to get. Otherwise the steps are **exactly** the same. – Ramhound May 26 '17 at 16:53
  • [Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool](https://superuser.com/questions/1151443/do-i-need-to-activate-windows-8-if-i-used-it-before/1151469#1151469) is a faster way to download the Windows 7 ISO. – Ramhound May 26 '17 at 16:56
  • The easiest solution would probably be to boot with something like Offline NT Password & Registry Editor, it will allow you to easily enable the built-in Administrator account or even (better) to elevate the current standard user to be a normal admin. http://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/bootdisk.html – Yisroel Tech May 26 '17 at 18:51

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Run the cmd as administrator by searching cmd then right clicking it and then "run as administrator". Then you can execute net user administrator /active:yes

Julysfire
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  • Agreed, most likely it was disabled for security – JustAGrump May 26 '17 at 16:08
  • This does not work as there is no administrator. When I do this the Yes/No Box pops up and yes is grayed out. It does not even let me enter a password. – user732204 May 26 '17 at 16:48
  • Try option 2, 3 or 4 from here. It will work with Windows 7 as well https://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/9650-built-administrator-account-enable-disable-windows-8-a.html – Julysfire May 26 '17 at 16:55
  • @user732204 - So enable the built-in Administrator. This assume you have the required authorization to enable the built-in Administrator. – Ramhound May 26 '17 at 16:57
  • @Ramhound Sometimes. By default, the admin account is hidden in Windows 7 and later but the default account that is created is usually admin account. – Julysfire May 26 '17 at 17:07
  • There is no admin account to activate the hidden admin. I cannot elevate anything to admin privileges. – user732204 May 26 '17 at 17:12
  • @user732204 - You don't need an Administrator account to activate the built-in Administrator account which is disabled by default. *The built-in Administrator account is disabled by default.* – Ramhound May 26 '17 at 17:15
  • You do though. You need admin to run that command. – user732204 May 26 '17 at 17:17