HelpDesk

Microsoft Windows XP Login Process

One of the most common calls to the HelpDesk concerns confusion in the Windows XP login process. Most faculty and staff who use Windows XP 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 XP 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 XP login process by closely examining this login screen.

Clicking on the Advanced button and then on the Windows 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 XP 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 XP 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 XP 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 XP 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 XP will pop up the window seen below.

Notice that the Name field is populated by the same username that was entered under the Windows tab in the previous login screen. Windows XP 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 XP password in another window. Some people set their Windows XP 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 XP password is inadvertently changed, or the Windows XP 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 XP essentially bars the person from having access to the computer. If you are logging in successfully now to your Windows XP computer, you may want to take the opportunity to make note of what your Windows XP 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 XP username and password, please call the JMU Computing HelpDesk at 568-3555.