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Setting a Password in Windows XP

This step requires you to reboot your computer into safe mode. Please print these instructions or refer to page 18 of the ITS Student Handbook and immediately complete this step before connecting to the Internet. If you do not have a copy of the ITS Student Handbook and do not have access to a printer, you can access this page after rebooting by going to:

http://internal.law.harvard.edu/its/software/configuration/passwordxp.php

You should limit your Internet access to this page until you have set your passwords.

Many viruses infect computers because those computers do not have passwords set to log in, or the passwords are easy to guess.

It is important that you choose a strong password for everything you do on Harvard's network -- for your PIN, your email, and logging into your computer.

When choosing a password, you want to use something that is difficult for others to guess, but one that you can remember without writing down. Good passwords:

You should avoid using passwords with real words; those are easy for a hacker or virus to guess. Instead, substitute symbols and numbers for letters. For example, the word "college" is a bad password. If you substitute numbers and symbols, "c01!3Ge" is an even better password. Do that with a song lyric or common phrase that's easy for you to remember, and your computer will be secure.

Windows XP (both Home and Professional versions) have a "hidden" administrator account. By default, it does not have a password set. In order to avoid serious security problems, it is best to set a password for this account on your computer. To do so, follow these instructions:

To Set Passwords for Accounts On Your Computer

  1. Turn your computer off completely. Wait 15 seconds, then restart it. When your computer manufacturer's logo appears on the screen (Dell, Compaq, HP, etc.) start pressing the F8 key on your keyboard. If you've done this correctly, a test menu should appear. Use the arrows keys on your keyboard to select "Safe Mode," then hit Enter.
  2. The next text menu will present you with an operation system selection. In most cases you will only see "Microsoft Windows XP." Make sure this is highlighted, then hit Enter.
  3. When Safe Mode has loaded, you should be presented with the Welcome Screen. Select "Administrator."

    4. Picture of User Accounts control panel

  4. Open the Start menu, then click on Control Panel.

    5. Picture of Select Menu

  5. In the Control Panel, open the User Accounts icon.
  6. The User Accounts screen will list several accounts that are present on your machine. Take note that you will likely have one for Administrator, and another (that you named when setting up your computer initially). Select the Administrator account.

    7. Picture of Select Menu

  7. In the Administrator account settings screen, click on the link for "Create a password."
  8. In the password creation window, fill out the requested blanks. When you're finished, hit the Create Password button.
  9. You may be asked if you wish to make this account's files private. Click either YES or NO (depending on your preference), then click Finish
  10. You should be returned to the User Accounts window. Close this window, then restart your computer normally.

NOTE: Make sure that you add account passwords on ALL of your computer's accounts.