Automatically generate and assign strong passwords in Windows XP

by Greg Shultz | Oct 18, 2006 7:00:00 AM

Tags: Greg Shultz, password, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows, strong password, Windows XP Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: In order to keep your system secure, it's important to regularly change passwords. If you're having trouble coming up with a strong password, Windows XP can generate one for you. Greg Shultz shows you how.

Computer users consistently use very simplistic logic when creating passwords. For example, many of us choose meaningful words, personal dates, or a word commonly found in the dictionary because it makes the password easy to remember. These common practices cause us to sacrifice the security that passwords are intended to provide.

If you're really at a loss when it comes to thinking of a strong password, you can let Windows XP create and assign a random password to your account. To let Windows XP generate your password, follow these steps. (Warning: Before you follow these steps, please be sure that you are paying careful attention and are ready to actually use a password that might not be as memorable as you're accustomed to! Also, you cannot use this tip on a Windows Server domain.)

1. Open a Command Prompt window and type:
   net user username /random (username is your login account name)
2. Press [Enter]. Windows XP will randomly generate a secure password, as well as assign that strong password to your account. Windows XP will also display the strong password so you can remember it.

At your discretion, you may want to create a Password Reset Disk at this point. This disk will allow you to gain access to your computer in the event you forget your password. Here's how to create the disk:

1. Open the Control Panel and double-click the User Accounts tool.
2. Click your account icon.
3. Select Prevent A Forgotten Password under Related Tasks.
4. Follow the instructions provided by the wizard.

Note: This tip applies to both Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional systems in either a standalone or peer-to-peer workgroup configuration.

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Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

how about cryptographically strong but pronounceable password?? docbook.xml@... | 10/18/06

I do use strong passwords Ian Gregory | 10/19/06

Not strong enough techr@... | 10/19/06

Passwords are just the first step... marketingtutor. | 10/23/06

What do yo do... ike brasil | 10/19/06

Remember Random Password Ian Gregory | 10/23/06

Reservations for home users rsimanski@... | 10/19/06

RoBo forms the greatest ! gregtheodosis@... | 10/29/06

what about Domain users? nshmakov@... | 10/21/06

what about Domain users? UplinkSpider@... | 10/29/06

I cannot but agree more jamie.fisher@... | 10/23/06

See my post Ian Gregory | 10/23/06

Something line SCO UNIX huh dask | 10/23/06

improvements wingedadmin | 10/24/06

The worst password advice I've ever heard dellison99 | 10/24/06

not enough strong.. tammy.nusyaputera@... | 10/19/06

not strong enough for most corp. IT PoconoChuck | 10/19/06

A little on the weak side marketingtutor. | 10/23/06

what if IT manger is against strong passwords Cloudberry | 10/19/06

What if the CEO, COO and VPs oppose strong passwords kirkhuffm@... | 10/19/06

in case the CEO, COO, and VP are ignorant... PoconoChuck | 10/19/06

Resistance is futile... rye_guy | 10/19/06

You know what's scary. UncleBonzi | 10/19/06

Strong Passwords that can be remembered jo.case@... | 10/19/06

Got a good password "recipe"? lmayeda@... | 10/19/06

Good Password Recipe marketingtutor. | 10/23/06

chunking suggested MiddleAgedNewbie | 10/23/06

That's the best advice fons@... | 11/27/06

Go higher up the management chain dlfarr21@... | 10/19/06

The corporate idiocy of passwords billballew | 10/19/06

Biometrics save a whole lot marketingtutor. | 10/23/06

This is security? tjacobs04@... | 10/23/06

Someone's Selling Security... t_c@... | 10/23/06

Agreed ElGeeko | 10/23/06

I'm using a free tool to have a password that I can remember. billnet1999@... | 10/23/06

I use IntelliLogin to generate password nad manage password! vivan_00@... | 10/23/06

Generating lists of strong passwords made easy ericp@... | 10/23/06

use a token markcnz@... | 10/23/06

Recovery tool is nifty - but assumes a floppy netzach@... | 10/23/06

A typical technical solution to a human issue ... marchred | 10/23/06