For Windows 2000 users, there is sometimes confusion in the Windows 2000 login process. Those who use Windows 2000 computers log into their computer with two usernames and two passwords - the part of the process that creates the confusion. If you use your Windows 2000 computer to connect to JMU's Novell NDS/Netware file servers, you have two usernames and two passwords. You should see a screen similar to this when starting your computer:

We can better understand the Windows 2000 login process by closely examining this login screen.

Clicking on the 'Advanced' button and then on the 'Windows NT/2000' tab will produce the following window:

This window presents you with two username fields. The topmost 'Username' field is where you would enter your username to log into the JMU Novell NDS/NetWare environment. The bottom 'Local username' field should contain your Windows 2000 username which is the ID you use to log in locally to use your computer. Computers set up by DTS are configured to use two different IDs; in other words, your JMU Novell NDS/Netware username and Microsoft Windows 2000 username are not identical. Rather than focus on the distinction between these usernames, make a mental note at this time-you are seeing the other side of the login process in this window. Remember that there are two usernames and passwords that are involved in this process. So where is the other 'Password' box to accompany the Windows username? There is none. Your Novell NDS/Netware and Windows 2000 usernames process the same password that is typed in the only visible 'Password' field. Naturally, this begs the question, "Can my Novell NDS/Netware and Windows 2000 passwords be different?" Yes, they can and if DTS set up your computer then they are different (unless you changed them to make them the same). In this case, if you click on 'OK' and try to log in, Windows 2000 will pop up the window seen below.

Notice that the 'Username' field is populated by the same username that was entered under the 'Windows NT/2000' tab in the previous login screen. Windows 2000 is indicating that the password you use for logging in locally to your computer is different than the one you use to log into your Novell NDS/Netware account. Hence, the computer prompts you to type in your Windows 2000 password in another window. Some people set their Windows 2000 passwords to match their Novell NDS/Netware passwords to avoid having this window come up; however, making the passwords the same produces a greater security risk and it is recommended that you do not do this.

Confusion comes into play when Novell NDS/Netware password is changed, or the Windows 2000 password is inadvertently changed, or the Windows 2000 username is changed, and the customer does not know what username was being used originally to log into the computer. This confusion often results in the person not being able to use their computer because Windows 2000 essentially bars the person from having access to the computer. If you are logging in successfully now to your Windows 2000 computer, you may want to take the opportunity to make note of what your Windows 2000 username and password are that allow you to log in and use your computer.

Should you ever forget or are unable to log in with your Windows 2000 username and password, please call the JMU Computing HelpDesk at 568-3555.