Number 227 - April 2002
Change WinXP's Default Password Expiration
by Ron Ogg, Diablo Blue, (www.dvpc.org) Nov 2001
    Now that you're running Windows XP on your new computer you are probably using a login ID and password. Unfortunately, login passwords in Windows XP are set to expire in 42 days by default. Most users would think that 42 days is too short before having to change their password. Here's how to change the setting:

    To change password settings you have to log on to an account that has Administrator privileges. In Windows XP Home all accounts are created with Administrator rights by default, so just log on as usual and you should be able to make these changes. If your Windows XP Pro log on doesn't let you make the changes, you'll need to find out the Administrator password and log on as Administrator. To log on as Administrator, log out and at the login prompt press Ctrl-Alt-Del; a dialog box will open that will allow you to enter a user ID (Administrator) and password.

    OK, now that you're logged on with Administrator rights:
   
  • Click on the Start button and select Run from the Start menu.


    •     In the Run dialog enter:
       
  • mmc

    •     and press the Enter key. The MMC (Microsoft Management Console) utility will start.
       
  • In the MMC window, click on File, and select "Add/Remove Snap-In" from the drop-down menu.

    •    
  • In the Add/Remove dialog box click the Add button, then select "Local Computer Policy" from the list and click the OK button.

    •    
  • Back in the MMC window expand the settings in the left window (similar to opening folders in Windows Explorer by double-clicking on the name or clicking on the + icon to the left of the name) as follows:

    •     Computer Configuration
           Windows Settings
              Security Settings
                 Account Policies
                   Password Policy
        If it isn't already highlighted, highlight "Password Policy" in the left window by clicking on it.

        At this point you'll see the various Password Policy settings in the right window. The one we want to change is "Maximum Password Age", which probably has the original default value of 42.

        To change the value, double click on "Maximum Password Age" in the right window. A new dialog box will open where you can change the value. You can enter a number from 1 to 999 days; this is the number of days that a password will be valid, and after that number you will be forced to change your password. You'll start receiving a password change notification starting 14 days prior to the expiration date whenever you log in to Windows XP. However, if you would prefer your password to be permanent and never require changing, enter 0 in this field. Click the OK button to save your change, then close the MMC. When asked if you want to save your settings, you can click on No, or you can click on Yes to save the settings (a default file name will be suggested; accept this name).

        Here are a few web sites that have great information about Windows XP:

       
  • Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows:
    http://www.winsupersite.com/default.asp:

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  • NT Compatible Windows XP FAQ:
    http://www.ntcompatible.com/faq3.shtml

    •    
  • Windows XP Developer Center:
    http://windowsxp.devx.com/

    •    
  • c|net Windows XP Superguide:
    http://www.cnet.com/software/0-6688749.html

    •    
  • Windows XP User:
    http://www.windowsxpuser.com/

    •    
  • Tom's Hardware Guide to Windows XP:
    www4.tomshardware.com/consumer/01q3/010803/

    •    
  • PC World Windows Activation Copy Controls:
    http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,60523,00.asp
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      Number 227 - April 2002