When connecting to another Windows XP computer some non-default security options need to be set on the target Windows XP computers, or Event Log Explorer may return the message "Access is denied".

If the target XP computer is a workgroup computer rather than a domain, then the default setting for remote log in is 'guest', which is not enough security level to manage event logs.

How to fix the problem.

Under Control Panels > Administrative Tools > Local Security Policy > Security Options > Network access: Sharing and security model for local accounts, change Guest Only - Local users authenticate as guest to Classic - Local users authenticate as themselves.

Here is the step-by-step instruction:

1. Log on to the target Windows XP computer with Administrator rights.
2 Click Start and select Control Panel.
3. Make sure that the Control Panel displays its icon in Classic View ( To switch Control Panel from Category view to classic view you should click Switch to Classic View on the left pane of Control Panel window)
4. Double click the Administrative Tools icon.
5. In the Administrative Tools window, double click Local Security Policy.
6. In the Local Security Settings window, in the left-hand pane, double click Local Policies then click Security Options.
7. In the right-hand pane,double click Network Access: Sharing and security model for local accounts.
8. In the dialog box, select option to Classic – local users authenticate as themselves.
9. Click OK button

Note. With classic security model your users should not have blank passwords because it will be possible to crack into the workstation by unauthorized persons. If your users will have blank passwords anyway double click Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only. In the dialog box, select option to Disabled.

Repeat this procedure on each Windows XP computer in the workgroup.

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