Password Change to NT Server Returns "Password...too short.." (123479)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups
  • Microsoft Windows 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q123479

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.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/5/2003
Keywords:KB123479
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.