Changing my password

[Swifty]

The last time I went into "User Accounts" in the control panel and
changed my password, I lost access to my encrypted files. I think this
is because I have Administrator access, and the route I took can be used
to change anyone's password.

I learned to disable the welcome screen, and to change the password
during the "conventional" logon panel, but this takes extra time.

Is there some way to change my own password, keeping access to my
encrypted files, but without having to go back to the traditional
sign-on panel?

How would a user without administration rights change their password?

 

[John Wunderlich]

The last time I went into "User Accounts" in the control panel and
changed my password, I lost access to my encrypted files. I think
this is because I have Administrator access, and the route I took
can be used to change anyone's password.

I learned to disable the welcome screen, and to change the
password during the "conventional" logon panel, but this takes
extra time.

Is there some way to change my own password, keeping access to my
encrypted files, but without having to go back to the traditional
sign-on panel?

How would a user without administration rights change their
password?

First and foremost, if you are using the Encrypting File System, you
MUST back up your certificates to prevent permanent loss of access to
your encrypted files (it's not a matter of *if* you lose access, rather
one of *when*). To do this, follow the instructions in:

"Best practices for the Encrypting File System"
<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/223316/en-us>

An alternative way to Alt-Ctrl-Delete to change your password is
through the "User Accounts" control panel.
Start -> Help and Support -> Search: change password -> Change a user's
password.

Never use an Administrator account to change a different user account's
password if you desire to maintain access to EFS.

HTH,
John

 

[amadaemon]

Reset your password to as it was when you encrypted your files to regain
access to them, then remove encryption, reset to password of your choice etc.
As to remainder of your query Sorry I cant help.

 

[Swifty]

First and foremost, if you are using the Encrypting File System, you
MUST back up your certificates to prevent permanent loss of access to
your encrypted files

I do have a backup. However (as mentioned by amadaemon) reverting to the
prior password resumes access in these circumstances.

An alternative way to Alt-Ctrl-Delete to change your password is
through the "User Accounts" control panel.

This was how I changed my password this time, and it worked. I now have
no idea how I managed to get it wrong (i.e. lose access to my encrypted
files) originally. I created a non-admin userid and found that they can
change their password via User Accounts in the control panel. I also
noticed that it said "Change MY passord" rather than "Change THE
password". When I tried chaning my own password this way, it still said
"Change MY password", so that gave me the courage to proceed.

Never use an Administrator account to change a different user account's
password if you desire to maintain access to EFS.

I know that will break EFS, but I don't think I've ever done it this
way. Oh well, file this under "Life's little mysteries" along with why
my wife starts most conversations with me from a different room. And why
our dog likes licking our feet.