This is a solution, not problem. I searched here and spent over 5 hours looking around for the solution. Finally found it - for me - so I thought I'd pass it on.
There are myriad postings for this problem with no working solution except to change the user back to Admin or power user status. WRONG! This work around assumes the person with the problem has a constant internet connection. But what about the 'on demand' user? ISPs provide it, but don't advertize it.
These people have to click a Network Connection icon, usually the LAN or DSL connection before trying to access the internet. Sometimes they even have it set up with their ISP to enter their user ID and password - these are not kept by the user's machine or accessed by the ISP until they are entered by the user every time they want to log onto the internet. Actually, a great way for parents to cut down on youngsters' access to the internet. (However, it will not control where they go!)
What most people don't realize is that enabling or disabling the network connection is not allowed by the limited user as a default of Windows! So the TRUE problem is 'Limited User can not enable network connection' and therefore can not connect to the internet. If this is your problem, read on.
How to fix this problem in XP Home - similar in others. You must be logged on as an Administrator to do this.
1. Make a system restore point. Start, Help and Support, Performance and Maintenance, Using System Restore to undo changes, Run the System Restore Wizard.
2. Run registry editor. Start, Run. (type in) regedit (press) OK.
The registry editor appears.
3. Hilight/select (click once) HKEY_USERS.
4. In the menu bar select File, Load Hive.
At this point you have to navigate to the limited user. Press the up icon. You will see all your users (you will be at c:\docs and settings). Double click the name of the limited user. Let's assume it's Ruthe for this example. Select NTUSER.DAT.
5. A popup window appears asking for the key name. Type in the name of your limited user (Ruthe).
6. (in registy editor now) Open HKEY_USERS. You will see Ruthe - your limited user's name. Select that name.
7. Go down the tree to find Software. Then Policies. Then Microsoft.
8. Under Microsoft there should be a key named Windows. If it's not there, create it. (Edit, New, Key). Open it.
9. There should be a key named Network Connections. If not, create it. Hilight it.
10. Now select Edit, New, DWORD value. Give it the name NC_LanConnect.
11. Double click it (in the right hand pane) and change the value data field from 0 to 1. OK.
12. Go back up the left pane and hilight HKEY_USERS\Ruthe.
13. Select File, unload hive. Close registry editor.
14. Reboot.
Worked for me and I thank the guy in France where I found this solution.
There are myriad postings for this problem with no working solution except to change the user back to Admin or power user status. WRONG! This work around assumes the person with the problem has a constant internet connection. But what about the 'on demand' user? ISPs provide it, but don't advertize it.
These people have to click a Network Connection icon, usually the LAN or DSL connection before trying to access the internet. Sometimes they even have it set up with their ISP to enter their user ID and password - these are not kept by the user's machine or accessed by the ISP until they are entered by the user every time they want to log onto the internet. Actually, a great way for parents to cut down on youngsters' access to the internet. (However, it will not control where they go!)
What most people don't realize is that enabling or disabling the network connection is not allowed by the limited user as a default of Windows! So the TRUE problem is 'Limited User can not enable network connection' and therefore can not connect to the internet. If this is your problem, read on.
How to fix this problem in XP Home - similar in others. You must be logged on as an Administrator to do this.
1. Make a system restore point. Start, Help and Support, Performance and Maintenance, Using System Restore to undo changes, Run the System Restore Wizard.
2. Run registry editor. Start, Run. (type in) regedit (press) OK.
The registry editor appears.
3. Hilight/select (click once) HKEY_USERS.
4. In the menu bar select File, Load Hive.
At this point you have to navigate to the limited user. Press the up icon. You will see all your users (you will be at c:\docs and settings). Double click the name of the limited user. Let's assume it's Ruthe for this example. Select NTUSER.DAT.
5. A popup window appears asking for the key name. Type in the name of your limited user (Ruthe).
6. (in registy editor now) Open HKEY_USERS. You will see Ruthe - your limited user's name. Select that name.
7. Go down the tree to find Software. Then Policies. Then Microsoft.
8. Under Microsoft there should be a key named Windows. If it's not there, create it. (Edit, New, Key). Open it.
9. There should be a key named Network Connections. If not, create it. Hilight it.
10. Now select Edit, New, DWORD value. Give it the name NC_LanConnect.
11. Double click it (in the right hand pane) and change the value data field from 0 to 1. OK.
12. Go back up the left pane and hilight HKEY_USERS\Ruthe.
13. Select File, unload hive. Close registry editor.
14. Reboot.
Worked for me and I thank the guy in France where I found this solution.