NET PASSWORD on Windows for Workgroups Causes Error 2453

Last reviewed: September 9, 1996
Article ID: Q136873

The information in this article applies to:

   - Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51
   - Microsoft TCP/IP-32 for Windows for Workgroups versions 3.11, 3.11a,
     and 3.11b
   - Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.11

SYMPTOMS

On your computer running Windows for Workgroups version 3.11, after you log on to your Windows NT 3.51 primary domain controller (PDC) that is in a different subnet and you issue the command:

   NET PASSWORD /DOMAIN:<domain> <username> <old_password> <new_password>

your password is not changed and the following error message appears:

   Error 2453: Unable to find domain controller for this domain.

CAUSE

A problem with the NET PASSWORD command in Windows for Workgroups causes this command to not find the PDC if there are no backup domain controllers (BDC) in the same subnet as the Windows for Workgroups computer.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem:

If you want to use the NET PASSWORD command, install a BDC in the same subnet as your computer running Windows for Workgroups. -or-
Use the graphical user interface on your computer running Windows for Workgroups:
1. Run Control Panel and choose Network.
2. Choose Startup and then Set Password.
3. Type your old password in the Old Password field.
4. Type your new password in the New Password and the Confirm New
```
      Password fields and choose OK.
```

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft TCP/IP-32 for Windows for Workgroups version 3.11b. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

KBCategory: kbnetwork kbbug3.51
KBSubcategory: nttcp
Additional reference words: prodtcp32 tcpip 3.11 3.11a 3.11b 3.51 wfw wfwg

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Last reviewed: September 9, 1996
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