Strong Passwords: What's happening?

On November 15th, 2006 the University implemented new password requirements.  Here are a few links to provide you with some helpful information:

Having problems after changing your password? Check out our FAQ and see if it can help.

If you are ready to change your password to meet the new requirements, go to: http://www.uwlax.edu/password This will only change the password you use with your 8.4 account, including email, Desire2Learn, AERIE, library resources, wireless network, etc. Remember it must be:

  • At least eight characters in length
  • Meet three of the four requirements:
    • CAPITAL LETTERS
    • lower case letters
    • Symbols (!#$%^&*(@)
    • Numbers (0-9)
  • And must be changed every 120 days
  • Your password may NOT contain any part of your 8.4 Username
  • You cannot change your password to a password you have used anytime in the previous 24 changes

Computer Login Passwords vs. 8.4 Passwords

Your Personal Computer Login Password is the login that comes up when you first start your personal computer.  Whether you are using a Windows PC or a Mac computer, you may have a password associated with your user account on that computer.  This is NOT the same as your email (or 8.4) account and password.  One of the frequent questions we hear is that the user can no longer login to their computer after changing their password. Usually, they are trying to login after starting their computer, and this password has not been changed. Remember your 8.4 password is different - it is the one you use to get into email, D2L, etc.

Some people keep the password used when starting their computer, and their UWL 8.4 account password the same. This is a good idea for many folks. In fact, we recommend that you change your Windows of Mac OS X Password so that when you start your computer, you use the same password as your UWL 8.4. This is especially recommended for faculty and staff. It helps keep network drives and other resources working properly. It is also one less password to remember. You do NOT have to do this.  If your computer password and your 8.4 (email) password are not the same now, you may not see any benefits except having one less password to remember.

However, users need to know that changing the password to their computer when it starts REQUIRES A SEPARATE PROCESS AND IS NOT DONE AUTOMATICALLY WHEN THEY CHANGE THEIR 8.4 ACCOUNT PASSWORD ONLINE. Here is an article on how to change your Computer Password.  Directions are available on that page for changing your Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X password. 

So changing your 8.4 (email) password (the one we are requiring be strong) at http://www.uwlax.edu/password will not change your computer login password.  If you don't follow the directions for changing your Computer Password, the password when start your computer and login has not changed.

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