Windows 8.1 username/password mixup on bootup

stony41

New Member
Messages
22
I have recently set up a Win 8.1 notebook and from a cold boot Win comes up with a confusion by showing part of my email address as user (a hangover from a MS account) but, after saying that the username is incorrect, then allows me to enter my local account / network creds.

I decided that, since the machine could go on the road from time to time, I would reintroduce the need for username and password. I would like to tidy up this mixed-up situation by having to enter my local account details and not have this 'error' message from dear old MS pop up. Having part of my email address appear on bootup is hardly helpful in terms of security.

This is not a major issue, but I would be very grateful for advice as to how to clear this up.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Medion E6234
    CPU
    i3-3120M
    Memory
    4 GB
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Norton IS
Hey,

Here is how to switch to an MS account... just follow it and do the reverse: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/4840-microsoft-account-switch-windows-8-a.html

If that doesn't work, you could try renaming your account: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/8782-user-account-name-change-windows-8-a.html

If that doesn't work, it may require you to create a new account and then delete the old. This can be an arduous process depending on what you have on your computer, and what you'd need to transfer over. hope this helps
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3820 CPU OC @ 3.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1.Assassin2
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator 16GB Quad Channel DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia by EVGA - GeForce GTX 670 4GB
    Sound Card
    On board Creative SB X-Fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    acer 24" H243H
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    Main 500GB Hybrid Drive @ 7,200RPM
    Secondary OCZ SSD Vertex 3 Max IOPS
    PSU
    Silent Pro 1000w gold 80+
    Case
    Azza Hurrican 2000
    Cooling
    Liquid CPU cooler & fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Tek Republic Wired Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    5ms Ping 5.15Mb/s Download .64Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer
    Antivirus
    Defender, Malwarebytes
Thanks for your reply, Dusty.

However, what I am describing is an annoyance rather than a crucial problem that needs a complex solution.

I have obviously switched to a local account (Accounts shows that I have a local account and that I am the owner.) Why, then, is an error message coming up saying that the creds are incorrect and then, amazingly, putting in my local creds continues the process?

If I have to go into complex procedures to fix up Microsoft's error, then I will just have to let sleeping dogs lie. This hiccup doesn't occur after hibernation, which I will do mostly.

I don't mind putting in my details on bootup, as the machine could find itself away from home. I am just objecting to having to put in my creds after Microsoft has mistakenly assumed that I must put in creds associated with a Microsoft account.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Medion E6234
    CPU
    i3-3120M
    Memory
    4 GB
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Norton IS

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3820 CPU OC @ 3.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1.Assassin2
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator 16GB Quad Channel DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia by EVGA - GeForce GTX 670 4GB
    Sound Card
    On board Creative SB X-Fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    acer 24" H243H
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    Main 500GB Hybrid Drive @ 7,200RPM
    Secondary OCZ SSD Vertex 3 Max IOPS
    PSU
    Silent Pro 1000w gold 80+
    Case
    Azza Hurrican 2000
    Cooling
    Liquid CPU cooler & fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Tek Republic Wired Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    5ms Ping 5.15Mb/s Download .64Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer
    Antivirus
    Defender, Malwarebytes
Dusty

I have just had another go at this. I switched to my Microsoft account and rebooted. The lunacy continued: 'The username or password is incorrect.' Oh yeah. They were fine when I switched to the MS account before rebooting. The problem seemed to be that my email address was truncated. I had thought that this was a security thing, but I don't think it is now. I completed it and added my password and I was in. I rebooted again and, surprise, the username or password was incorrect. This time I used another account, my local account. I was able to get in by entering name and password. And all along I have said in Control Panel that users don't need to give a password.

My objection to the MS account is that the owner is identified on screen. Not good. I tried to just use a single name and no go. Is MS dedicated to letting the whole world know who owns the PC?

I have returned to a local account and just one name and am resigned to having to fudge things to boot up my own machine.

I am sure that others must have encountered this rubbish. Surely MS hasn't singled me out.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Medion E6234
    CPU
    i3-3120M
    Memory
    4 GB
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Norton IS
No, first I've heard of it actually. The transition to and from an MS account is supposed to (and usually is) flawless.

If you were to create a second account, my guess would be that that second account would be fine. Even if you use an MS account. If you do decide to create a second account, you might be able to test and see if it works or not. That way we can find out if it is a problem with your profile, or the operating system as a whole. Up to you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3820 CPU OC @ 3.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1.Assassin2
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator 16GB Quad Channel DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia by EVGA - GeForce GTX 670 4GB
    Sound Card
    On board Creative SB X-Fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    acer 24" H243H
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    Main 500GB Hybrid Drive @ 7,200RPM
    Secondary OCZ SSD Vertex 3 Max IOPS
    PSU
    Silent Pro 1000w gold 80+
    Case
    Azza Hurrican 2000
    Cooling
    Liquid CPU cooler & fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Tek Republic Wired Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    5ms Ping 5.15Mb/s Download .64Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer
    Antivirus
    Defender, Malwarebytes
Don't know how it happened but eventually, after many switches between accounts, I am able to boot up via a local account with or without a password and without an error message. Looks as if MS finally got the message. If I switched to a MS account, the error message that either the username or password was crook kept appearing. It is unnecessary to back up data to the cloud, etc. on this machine. As I have said, I am concerned at MS's disregard for security by insisting on users adding first name and surname to a MS account and disallowing just one name appearing on screen. I can't see why a user can't insist on Fred rather than Fred Smith appearing.

One thing I tried but couldn't see how was to remove the MS account altogether and create a new one, which I think you were suggesting. If I ever need to use a MS account on this PC, I will just have to manually add the creds and ignore the 'error' message.

Thanks for your interest and comments.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Medion E6234
    CPU
    i3-3120M
    Memory
    4 GB
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Norton IS
Hey again mate,

Found some stuff that will help you.
::You do not NEED an MS local user account to use your computer or apps, but you will need a Microsoft (email) account to use apps. I just think you have to enter your email credentials every new app, where if you used a MS local user account, it automatically enters your credentials.
Tutorials to switch to and from an MS account:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/4840-microsoft-account-switch-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/4842-local-account-switch-windows-8-a.html

And a gold mine for you, rename your account (should be either one): http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/8782-user-account-name-change-windows-8-a.html *Edit* I do see it still requires first, last name for an MS account, but it should be able to just be an alias. :think:

*Edit* lol I already posted this stuff. I'm going to get some sleep before I cause some damage. I'll look into this a bit more tomorrow, sorry for the false positives! hehe
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3820 CPU OC @ 3.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1.Assassin2
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator 16GB Quad Channel DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia by EVGA - GeForce GTX 670 4GB
    Sound Card
    On board Creative SB X-Fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    acer 24" H243H
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    Main 500GB Hybrid Drive @ 7,200RPM
    Secondary OCZ SSD Vertex 3 Max IOPS
    PSU
    Silent Pro 1000w gold 80+
    Case
    Azza Hurrican 2000
    Cooling
    Liquid CPU cooler & fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Tek Republic Wired Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    5ms Ping 5.15Mb/s Download .64Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer
    Antivirus
    Defender, Malwarebytes
And yes, I was describing creating a new local standard user or local Microsoft user account and deleting the old, if it works better for you. I know errors like that would drive me up the wall (slight OCD problem, even had to capitalize OCD...) This is to get rid of problems with the current account, but by no means necessary. Good luck!

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5536-user-account-add-new-user-windows-8-a.html
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3820 CPU OC @ 3.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1.Assassin2
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator 16GB Quad Channel DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia by EVGA - GeForce GTX 670 4GB
    Sound Card
    On board Creative SB X-Fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    acer 24" H243H
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    Main 500GB Hybrid Drive @ 7,200RPM
    Secondary OCZ SSD Vertex 3 Max IOPS
    PSU
    Silent Pro 1000w gold 80+
    Case
    Azza Hurrican 2000
    Cooling
    Liquid CPU cooler & fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Tek Republic Wired Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    5ms Ping 5.15Mb/s Download .64Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer
    Antivirus
    Defender, Malwarebytes
You could try going into event viewer and finding the exact error to post for me to see, or tell me exactly what it says when it happens. I just don't know what error you're getting. It is just the standard wrong username or password prompt? Still check event viewer to see if it has anything there.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3820 CPU OC @ 3.80GHz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1.Assassin2
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator 16GB Quad Channel DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia by EVGA - GeForce GTX 670 4GB
    Sound Card
    On board Creative SB X-Fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    acer 24" H243H
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    Main 500GB Hybrid Drive @ 7,200RPM
    Secondary OCZ SSD Vertex 3 Max IOPS
    PSU
    Silent Pro 1000w gold 80+
    Case
    Azza Hurrican 2000
    Cooling
    Liquid CPU cooler & fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Tek Republic Wired Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    5ms Ping 5.15Mb/s Download .64Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer
    Antivirus
    Defender, Malwarebytes
Although this thread is now years old I had the same problem. You need to go to PC settings/account & "disconnect" from your current account (which is your Microsoft account) the guide will then take you through the steps to create a local account & logon. You probably ( I didn't try it) could leave out the password & next time at start up you will go straight through to the desktop without involving your Microsoft account. It's still exists just not for getting on your computer.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WIN 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Omen
    CPU
    Intel IC7
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    8gigs
    Graphics Card(s)
    Ge Force GTX
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Panda Free
Back
Top