[RESOLVED] readting the User Account password on xp and later

[MarMan]

I do not understand what you are trying to do. Try explaining WHAT you are trying to do not HOW you are trying to do it. The how approach you are taking sounds wrong and mixing the how in with the what makes understanding your issue difficult. The only what I can see is

In the future we want only computer club members or "guests" use the computers.

If you only want certain users to use the computers then only give them the password. If the groups of users change then change the password. Solved.

[johncraw]

Thank you for your response. I will try to clarify.
Members pay a flat fee every year to use the computers. Guests (That is other members of the centre, but not members of the computer club) pay a fee ($1) each time they use the computers in the centre.
In the case of members. There SHOULD not be a problem. If I give them a password then they can access the computers. There is, however the possibility of them giving the password to others. That is why I said that eventually everyone has the password.
If there is only one password, and I give it to a guest. Then there is nothing stopping that person from going in day after day and using the computer for free, or giving the password to others. That is why I want to be able to change the password.
I do have a solution that works if I can disable some key sequences.
I hope that this has given some clarification
John

[MarMan]

That is why I want to be able to change the password.

An administrator can change the password. They can change the password every day. You probably know how to do that. So I do not still see what the issue is.

Your problem is user education and serious security flaws.

I do have a solution that works if I can disable some key sequences.

Your above unmentioned solution is most likely a problem waiting to happen. Why you have not explained what you really want to do I can not fathom. The only thing you said was you need to change the password. Is that what you are having trouble with?