I have Windows XP Professional. I cannot get my computer to remember passwords such as for Outlook email accounts. I looked up an article somewhere that has a fix but that did not work. Do you know of a way to tweak the registry so that passwords are remembered on an xp computer?
– Bill Tedder
Carey’s Answer:
First, you should be aware that Windows XP always displays the same number of *’s for a password. This way a user won’t know how many characters are actually in your password and try to guess it. So, if your password is 4 letters long but the password box has eight little “********”, that is normal and it is storing your password correctly.
If your problem is with Outlook Express not saving your password, Microsoft has a KnowledgeBase article explaining how to resolve this issue. You can find it here: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q264672
Another possible solution is to open Internet Explorer, click on Tools, click on Internet Options, click on the Content tab, click the AutoComplete button (located towards the bottom of the window) and place the checkmark in front of “Usernames and passwords on forms” and “Prompt me to save Passwords”.
Click OK, click Apply, and click OK again.
Thanks for writing!
Carey
Carey Holzman owns and operates Discount Computer Repair (602-527-9723) in Phoenix, Arizona, where he offers repairs, upgrades, custom built PCs and network wiring at highly competitive pricing. His networking tips have appeared in David Strom’s book, The Home Networking Survival Guide (McGraw/Hill), and his own book on PC maintenance is currently available at local book stores, amazon.com or directly through him. His free informative web site can be found at http://www.careyholzman.com. Donate $30 to help maintain his site and you’ll get a free autographed copy of his book. Carey can be reached directly at carey@careyholzman.com.
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