TechProGuild FastAnswer: Removing stored passwords in Windows XP

by Luke Swagger | Nov 28, 2005 8:00:00 AM

Tags: Luke Swagger, password, Click Start, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Windows XP

Takeaway: Windows XP makes things easy for end users by storing user names and passwords, saving them time from having to re-enter information over and over. However, this decreases security on your system. Here's how you can quickly remove stored passwords.

The Problem

Users have stored user ID and password information on their computer. When visiting a site, the stored IDs and passwords grant access without the user having to reenter information.

The Cause

Microsoft Windows XP stores user names and passwords on your PC so when you visit Web sites and properly configured applications, you don't have to reenter the information. Caching information can be helpful if users have multiple usernames and passwords for different programs and can also speed login times for users. However, by storing passwords, Windows XP also makes it possible for an unauthorized person to walk up to the computer and use the stored passwords to access the protected programs.

The Solution

1.      Click Start and select Run.

2.      Type in rundll32.exe keymgr.dll, KRShowKeyMgr and click OK.

3.      The Stored User Names And Passwords Window will appear.

4.      You can remove an entry by selecting it from the list and clicking Remove.

5.      Click Close.

Alternate Solutions

You can also access the Stored User Names And Passwords Window screen by clicking Start | Control Panel | User Accounts. Click the Advanced tab and then the Manage Passwords button.

To clear information from Internet Explorer, click Tools | Internet Options. Select the Content tab and click AutoComplete. Click Clear Forms and Clear Passwords. You should also remove all checkboxes on the AutoComplete screen.