KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q174076: Invalid Password Message When Strong Passwords Are Required

Article: Q174076
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 3.51,4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbsetup kbWinNT400sp4fix
Last Modified: 09-AUG-2001

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51, 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0, Terminal Server Edition 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

After you change your password, you receive an error indicating that it does not
meet the domain password requirements; however, the stated requirements have
been met.

CAUSE
=====

Normally, this message is correct; however, when strong passwords are required
there may be restrictions in effect that will exclude many passwords.

RESOLUTION
==========

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or
Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. For additional information,
please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

  Q152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack


NOTE: The hotfix will need to be applied to all clients. The client is
responsible for mapping a text message to the error code returned from the
server.

MORE INFORMATION
================

The old password error message was:

  Your new password does not meet the minimum length or password history
  requirements of the domain.

The new messages displayed after you apply the fix are:

  Your new password does not meet the minimum length or password history
  requirements of the domain. Also, your site may require passwords that must
  be a combination of upper case, lower case, numbers, and non-alphanumeric
  characters.

  Your password must be at least <#> characters long. Your new password
  cannot be the same as any of your previous <#> passwords. Also, your
  site may require passwords that must be a combination of upper case, lower
  case, numbers, and non-alphanumeric characters.

The numeric <#> in the previous dialog box comes from the Account Policy in
User Manager.


STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows NT
Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. This problem was first corrected in Windows
NT 4.0 Service Pack 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
Service Pack 4.


Additional query words: passfilt change passwords pass word win95 can't workstation wfw workgroups fail unable

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbsetup kbWinNT400sp4fix 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNT351search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400 kbWinNTS351 kbNTTermServ400 kbNTTermServSearch kbWinNTS351search
Version           : :3.51,4.0
Hardware          : x86
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.