Reference number: CH000131

Enabling / disabling the password prompt for Windows 95, 98, and ME.

Issue:

Enabling / disabling the password prompt for Windows 95, 98, and ME.

Additional information:

Windows 95, 98, and ME password enables one of two options.

First, if the computer is not connected to a local corporate network that requires authentication, the password allows the user to have multiple users all with different settings, such as different desktops, mouse cursors, shortcuts, etc. while still allowing the users to have access to all the same files. This enables users to have a better customization of their computer.

Second, if the user were connected to a Local network, this would allow the user to log into that network as well as have the capability of having multiple users log into the same machine and have different settings and permissions depending upon how the network is setup.

Finally, it is important to realize that enabling the Windows 95, 98, and ME passwords does not offer the local Windows computer any real security and should not be used as a way to keep a user out of the computer.

Solution:

Enabling the Windows 95, 98, or ME password
Disabling the Windows 95, 98, or ME password

Enabling the Windows 95, 98, or ME password

No Local Network

Users can customize in Passwords:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Open the Passwords icon.
3. Click the User Profiles tab
4. Select the second option "Users can customize their preferences and desktop settings. Windows switches to your personal settings when you log on."
5. Click Ok and then restart the computer.

Enable Windows Login - If the above paragraph does not enable the password follow the below steps.

1. Open Control Panel
2. Open the Network icon. 
3. Under "Primary Network Login" ensure that Windows Login is selected. Note: This option may not be available if no network protocols are installed.  

Local Network

Please Note: This information is pertaining to users who must authenticate with a larger network, such as a corporate network. If the Network you log into is run by somebody other than yourself, it is recommended that they handle the passwords, as additional issues may arise if the user does not have the correct privileges.

Install Network Card - Install the appropriate adapter for your network card.

Install Client for Microsoft Networks:

1. Open Control Panel
2. Open the Network icon.
3. Click the Add button.
4. Highlight client and click Add / select Microsoft and Client for Microsoft Network, and click Ok.

Install Protocol - Depending upon your network, install the appropriate Protocol (TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI). To install, click Start / Settings / Control Panel / Network / click Add / click Protocol and Add / select Microsoft and choose the appropriate protocol. Click Ok and restart the computer to complete the settings, now log into the computer.

Disabling the Windows 95, 98, or ME password

No Local Network

Please Note: When following the below steps, upon rebooting the computer, you may get a Network login; if you wish to remove the password never enter a password, only enter the username. Because of different setups, the user may need to do one or more of the below steps in order to disable the Windows 95 / 98 passwords.

Select All users in Password:

1. Open Control Panel
2. Open the Passwords icon.
3. Click the User Profiles tab
4. Select the first option "All users of this PC use the same preferences and desktop settings."
5. Reboot computer.
6. After the computer boots up and no password was entered, reboot again to see if the changes fixed the computer. If issue persists, continue troubleshooting by following the next step.

Enable Windows Login:

1. Open Control Panel
2. Open the Network icon.
3. Under the "Primary Network Login" change the value from "Client for Microsoft Networks" to "Windows Login".
4. Click Ok.
5. Once changed reboot the computer.
6. After the computer boots up and no password was entered, reboot again to see if the changes fixed the computer. If issue persists, continue troubleshooting by following the next step.

Delete Stored Passwords and Profiles:

1. Start / Shutdown / Restart the computer in MS-DOS mode.
2. Once at the prompt type cd\windows and press enter.
3. When at the C:\Windows> directory type del *.pwl and press enter, and delete all files found. The pwl files are the actual encrypted password files windows stores.  
4. Once each of these files have been deleted, type deltree profiles and press enter. Once this has been completed, press CTRL + ALT + DEL to restart the computer.
5. After the computer boots up and no password was entered, reboot again to see if the changes fixed the computer. If issue persists continue troubleshooting by following the next step.

TweakUI

If the above recommendation does not work, download and install TweakUI. Open TweakUI and click the login tab. Within the logon tab uncheck the log on automatically at system startup.

Final recommendations

If, after following the above recommendations, you are still receiving a password prompt when booting the computer, try following each of the above steps again and/or reinstall your network.

Local Network

Please Note: This information is pertaining to users who must authenticate with a larger network, such as a corporate network. If the Network you log into is run by somebody other than yourself, it is recommended that they handle the passwords, as additional issues may arise if the user does not have the correct privileges. Additionally, when following the below steps, it will also disable your network login.

If you wish to not have a login prompt each time you turn on the computer, it is recommended that you create a log-in script for your network.

Remove Protocols - Click Start / Settings / Control Panel / Network / select any TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI and remove the protocols. When removing protocols, if you wish to continue to connect to the Internet, do not remove any Dialup adapters / protocols. Once completed, click Ok and restart the computer.