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Windows Change Password Dialog

This is how most users change their password. Testing password policies from the Windows Change Password dialog is useful because it allows you to see what your users see. To test password policies from the Windows Change Password dialog:

Press the CTRL + ALT + DEL keys.
Click Change Password...



Type a user name in the User name text box, and passwords in the Old Password, New Password, and Confirm New Password text boxes.
Click OK.

You probably noticed that the Change Password dialog looks different after installing PPE. The Password Policy Client displays the password policy in a panel above the User name text box. This allows users to see the policy as they choose their password.

The Password Policy Client also changes the message that users see when their password is rejected. The Windows Password Rejected message (left) is very complex, and does not tell users which rules they failed to comply with. The PPC message tells users exactly which rules they did not comply with.

You do not have to install the Password Policy Client to enforce a PPE password policy, but installing the PPC reduces user frustration and helpdesk calls. Studies show that password problems account for a large percentage of helpdesk calls, so making it easier for users to choose a compliant password will reduce operating costs.

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The V6.1 Password Policy Client does not install a GINA DLL or modify any Windows system files.

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