Stored USER NAMES and passwords

[pholmes]

I thought this utility would be invaluable for storing the many different
user names and passwords I need to conduct business over the Internet. But
the very first User Name I tried to add to the utility was rejected because
it isn't in the "(e-mail address removed)" format. This may be a complete shock to
the sheltered folks at Microsoft, but MANY websites don't require this format
for their user names, and I don't want to use my email address everytime. Is
there no way around this format restriction? Or am I trying to use this
utility in a manner for which it wasn't intended? If so, does anyone have any
solutions to the problem of managing your user names and passwords? Thanks!

 

[Malke]

I thought this utility would be invaluable for storing the many different
user names and passwords I need to conduct business over the Internet. But
the very first User Name I tried to add to the utility was rejected because
it isn't in the "(e-mail address removed)" format. This may be a complete shock to
the sheltered folks at Microsoft, but MANY websites don't require this format
for their user names, and I don't want to use my email address everytime. Is
there no way around this format restriction? Or am I trying to use this
utility in a manner for which it wasn't intended? If so, does anyone have any
solutions to the problem of managing your user names and passwords? Thanks!

What utility are you talking about?


Malke

 

[pholmes]

Okay, maybe "utility" is the wrong word, but "Stored User Names and
Passwords" is a feature of Windows XP that stores user names and passwords
for servers. I find it's too restrictive in the format for user names that
it will allow me to store. Any solutions?

 

[Niniel]

You sound like you need a third-party password manager.
If you use the FireFox browser (or anything based on it) you can use its
built-in tool (switch on strong encryption if you do!), or if you don't like
that, something else. I'm afraid I can't give you a recommendation since I
don't use that kind of software, but there are tons out there. For FF there
are also extensions that, presumably, go beyond the built-in capabilities.
Some security software also has password vaults, I believe ZoneAlarm does
(may require a paid version though).

 

[pholmes]

Thanks, Niniel. I was overwhelmed by the 3rd party software available at CNET
Downloads, and finally opted for RoboForms as recommended by Microsoft. I'm
just starting to get used to it now.

I only wish that the Stored User Names and Passwords feature in Windows XP
lived up to MS's claims that it can be a good password manager. I found it
unduly restrictive in the acceptable format of user names you could input.

 

[Anteaus]

If you were thinking of letting Windows itself store any passwords of a
critical nature, get a copy of Korben's RockXP first, and see just how many
it reveals. =8-0

Under the mattress would be a safer place. ;-)