Password Change to NT Server Returns "Password...too short.."

ID: Q123479

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.11
Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1
Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to change your Windows NT domain password to a previously used password, while logging into a Windows for Workgroups workstation that logs onto a Windows NT domain, one of the following error messages appears:

   The password you specified is too short. You must use a longer Password.

   -or-

   Unable to change the password for Microsoft Networking because of the
   following error:
   The password is shorter than required.

NOTE: This problem can also occur when you connect to a Windows NT 3.5 domain controller from the following client computers:

   - Microsoft Windows version 3.1 with Microsoft LAN Manager version 2.2b

   - Microsoft Windows 95

This problem may also occur when you connect to a Windows NT 3.51 or Windows NT 4.0 domain controller from the following client computer:

   - Microsoft Windows 95

CAUSE

The Windows NT server, responding as the domain controller, indicates that the password is not unique. The Windows for Workgroups workstation does not properly interpret the response. This situation occurs when the new password you attempt to use duplicates one of your previous passwords.

WORKAROUND

When the error message noted above appears, use a unique password.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows for Workgroups version 3.11. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

If you attempt to change your password at a Windows NT workstation, and your new password does not meet the User Manager Account Policy Password Uniqueness setting, the following error message appears:

   Your password must be at least <x> characters long. Your new password
   cannot be the same as any of your previous <y> passwords. Type a
   password which meets these requirements in both text boxes.

where <x> is the minimum password length and <y> is the number of previous password entries checked for password uniqueness.

Additional reference words: 3.50 3.11 uniqueness prodnt KBCategory: kbinterop kbnetwork KBSubcategory: ntinterop win30 win31 win3x wfw wfwg 4 win95 4.0

Keywords          : win31 win95 win30 wfwg NTInterop 4 4.0 win3x 
Version           : WINDOWS:95; winnt:3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform          : WINDOWS winnt

Last Reviewed: May 7, 1999