Question

Changing Network Password Policy

Asked by: rtownes

Windows 2003 Server Active Directory Domain
Windows XP clients

We are getting ready to change our password policy (domain group policy) to go from requiring a minimum of 8 characters to a minimum of 10 characters.  My question is will this require my users to immediately change their passwords since  most of them will become non-compliant or will the change in requirements only take effect next time they change their password?  I don't want everyone to have to change their password immediately but rather have the 10 character requirement go into effect next time their password expires.

Can't seem to find any aritcle that tells me this exact info.  Expert comments would be appreciated and any supporting Microsoft documentation if you can provide it.

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Asked On
2009-09-02 at 11:50:33ID24702387
Tags

password group policy change effect

Topic

Windows Network Security

Participating Experts
1
Points
125
Comments
1

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Answers

 

by: oBdAPosted on 2009-09-02 at 16:14:52ID: 25246573

The password is only stored as a hash; there is no way to retrieve the current password password of a user (or, subsequently, any of its properties).
In other words: changing the "minimum length" password policy will only apply the next time the user has to change his password.
Only a change in password age would force a user to immediately change his password.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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