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Q163616: Cannot Unlock Workstation If Password Change Cancelled

Article: Q163616
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): winnt:4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbbuglist kbfixlist
Last Modified: 09-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

A user logs on interactively to a Windows NT computer using an account whose
password is about to expire. Windows NT displays a dialog box notifying the user
that the password will expire shortly and offers the option to change it. The
user selects "Yes" to change the password, but in the Password Change dialog
box, the user selects "Cancel." The logon script proceeds and the user's desktop
appears as normal.

However, if the workstation is subsequently locked, either interactively or by a
secure screen saver, the logged on user will be unable to unlock the computer.
Despite using the correct credentials, the following message is displayed:

  The password is incorrect. Please retype your password. Letters in passwords
  must be typed using the correct case. Make sure that Caps Lock is not
  accidentally on.


WORKAROUND
==========

Unlock the workstation using another administrative account.

STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. This
problem was corrected in the latest Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 U.S. Service Pack.
For information on obtaining the service pack, query on the following word in
the Microsoft Knowledge Base (without the spaces):

  S E R V P A C K


Additional query words: prodnt security winlogon expired

======================================================================
Keywords          :  kbbuglist kbfixlist
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : winnt:4.0
Hardware          : x86
Issue type        : kbbug

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