"DisableDefaultPasswords" Registry Entry Does Not Work

• Microsoft Windows 95

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SYMPTOMS

When you are using the Microsoft Service for NetWare Directory Services (MSNDS), the Windows 95 registry entry for DisableDefaultPasswords does not function properly.

CAUSE

The Microsoft Client for NetWare Networks uses the registry entry "DisableDefaultPasswords = 1" to turn off automatic NetWare login, but MSNDS uses a different registry entry ("DisableDefaultPassword = 1").

NOTE: The MSNDS entry is missing the trailing "s" on the end.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

NOTE: For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry.

To disable the automatic login attempt with the MSNDS client, use Registry Editor to add a DWORD value named "DisableDefaultPassword" (without quotation marks) to the following registry key:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\NWNP32\
   NetworkProvider

MORE INFORMATION

The purpose of this registry key is to prevent the MSNDS client from automatically using the Windows 95 login password as the master password for both the bindery and NDS tree login attempt. Instead, you are prompted for a separate user name and password to log into the bindery server and NDS trees.