Windows 8 Pro. x64 Built-In Administrator Account Picture?

Synomenon

New Member
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Just performed a clean install of Windows 8 Pro. x64 on a new system. As soon as Windows finished installing, I opened secpol.msc, enabled the built-in administrator account, rebooted and deleted the first account I made during Windows setup and am now using the built-in administrator account as my main account. I don't care if the Metro apps. don't work.

What I want though is a way to change the account picture for this built-in administrator account. When I go into the Metro UI, click on the my username at the top right of the screen and click on "Change account picture", nothing happens.

When I go into the desktop then Control Panel -> User Accounts, there is no option to change the account picture.


Has anyone figured out how to change the user account picture for the built-in administrator account?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro. x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
go to start screen click on the admin account top right corner and you will get the option to choose account picture done
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    xp32 home /xp32 pro /vista64 /win7 64 /win8 64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Build
    CPU
    PHENOM II X4 Quad Core 965 Black Edition CPU, 3.40 GHz
    Motherboard
    GA-MA790FXT-UD5P
    Memory
    G.Skill 8GB (4x XMS3 2GB) PC-12800 (1600MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 9500 gt
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    T231H / X243H ACER
    Screen Resolution
    1980/1080
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 500 samsung1terabyte wd 750
    PSU
    550 watt
    Case
    cooler master
    Cooling
    standard
    Keyboard
    microsoft
    Mouse
    logitech
    Internet Speed
    20000 ul 1020 dl
    Other Info
    2x dual pci-e digital tv tuners
    1xusb2 digital tv tuner
go to start screen click on the admin account top right corner and you will get the option to choose account picture done

Ummm... Read my post again.

Something wrong with your Windows setup, might be a good idea to run the system file checker (http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/3047-sfc-scannow-command-run-windows-8-a.html).

Tested it now, for me it works exactly as Chinga told you, as also told in this tutorial.

First:

2013-05-31_123023.png


Then:


2013-05-31_123120.png


Finally:

2013-05-31_123306.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Yes, as I've mentioned; I've tried all of that and none of it works.

Ok, after more research I've found that the built-in administrator account has some limitations (can't use Metro apps., can't assign an account picture, etc.).

So for now (until someone finds workarounds), I'll have to deal with it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro. x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Yes, as I've mentioned; I've tried all of that and none of it works.

Ok, after more research I've found that the built-in administrator account has some limitations (can't use Metro apps., can't assign an account picture, etc.).

So for now (until someone finds workarounds), I'll have to deal with it.
I showed in my previous post how I set an account picture to built-in administrator account, the screenshots are from actual procedure I did to test if that really is a disabled feature in Windows 8. Screenshots prove it is not disabled, the picture can be set. I also suggested you run the system file checker.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
The admin acct is meant to be use when you have trouble with your regular acct , you should have kepy the othere acct ,if you have problems you will have no good working acct to fall back on
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
How you enable the built-in administrator account is irrelevant. The account picture can be changed. The issue is in your Windows setup, not in Windows itself.

Usually system file checker is the first tool to run when you get system related errors and issues. Seems you are not willing to do even the simplest things to try to solve your issue.

Unsubscribing as pointless thread.

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Oh I forgot to mention; Right after installing Windows and enabling the built-in administrator account, I moved my user folder to another drive using these instructions:
Move the User Folder To A Separate Drive/Partition (The Right Way) - Idealistically Caspan

If you followed those instructions, did you relocate the ProgramData folder too? It might explain your issue. ProgramData can be moved in Windows 7, should not be moved in Windows 8.

The geek behind the website you linked to (Caspan?) should have copied my Windows 8 tutorial regarding this subject, not my Windows 7 tutorial as he has done. Anyway, I left him a note to Idealistically Caspan there, check back to newest comments on that page to find this:

2013-05-31_215552.png


Kari


EDIT:​ That Caspan fellow did not like my comment, it is already removed. Judging by his own comments he will next copy & paste my Windows 8 tutorial, too:

2013-05-31_222409.png
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Ok, I remember what I did now. I did use your instructions to move my user folder. I then used the guide by "Caspan" just to learn how to create a junction to the new location of my user folder.

I did use your direction and the ProgramData folder was NOT moved. It's still on the C: drive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro. x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
OK. So the ProgramData location is not your culprit, moving it can totally screw the system.

Refreshing Windows 8 is out of the question as you have relocated Users. Short of reinstalling I don't know what to try.

I have now tested this with a PC where Users are relocated and one PC where they are in default location. Both systems have no issues in changing the profile picture for built-in administrator. Reinstall might solve your issue.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Gonna secure erase my SSD today and reinstall Windows. I'll follow your instructions again and report back later.

Oh, If you haven't planned to yet, I think you should also add instructions on creating junctions to the new location of the user folders.

If I didn't find that Caspan site, I wouldn't have know to do that.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro. x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I have junctions for other reasons and other folders but I have never needed nor have I created junctions for user folders, not in Seven, not in Eight. When (if) the procedure is done correctly they are not needed, completely unnecessary. As such I will not include instructions to create junctions in tutorial in order to keep it as simple as possible, the procedure described as it is without any further enhancements.

However, as junctions take practically no storage space, if you feel safer having them there's no harm done in creating them.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
great job on sorting his problem out Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    xp32 home /xp32 pro /vista64 /win7 64 /win8 64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Build
    CPU
    PHENOM II X4 Quad Core 965 Black Edition CPU, 3.40 GHz
    Motherboard
    GA-MA790FXT-UD5P
    Memory
    G.Skill 8GB (4x XMS3 2GB) PC-12800 (1600MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 9500 gt
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    T231H / X243H ACER
    Screen Resolution
    1980/1080
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 500 samsung1terabyte wd 750
    PSU
    550 watt
    Case
    cooler master
    Cooling
    standard
    Keyboard
    microsoft
    Mouse
    logitech
    Internet Speed
    20000 ul 1020 dl
    Other Info
    2x dual pci-e digital tv tuners
    1xusb2 digital tv tuner
Thanks Chinga although it seems the issue will be solved only by reinstalling.

Synomenon, I would like to ask you to think this through one more time. It is not a good idea to use a Windows PC only with built-in administrator account.

If you decide to do it I would try to change the profile picture of built-in administrator account before deleting all normal user accounts.

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Thanks Kari! I'm not sure what fixed it, but it's working now. I secure erased my SSDs, installed Windows and redid that whole process of moving the user folders again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro. x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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