How to Disable a Workgroup Password in XP Pro
Windows XP Professional allows users to connect to and share files on multiple computers. These connected computers are all members of a specific workgroup. Before accessing a computer within a workgroup, by default, you must have a username and enter a password. Your username identifies your computer on the workgroup's network. These settings are part of the Windows XP configuration. There is a way to disable a workgroup password so users are free to access other connected computers without having to enter a password.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Click "Start" and choose "Run" on the computer running Windows XP Professional.
-
2
Type "gpedit.msc" in the box next to "Open:" The "Group Policy" dialog box will appear on your computer's screen.
-
-
3
Click on the "+" symbol by Windows Settings in the left pane of the Group Policy dialog box.
-
4
Click on the "+" symbols by Security Settings and Local Policies.
-
5
Double-click on "Security Options."
-
6
Double-click on "Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console login only" in the right pane of the Group Policy dialog box. The Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console login only dialog box will appear on your screen.
-
7
Click the circle by Disabled on the Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console login only dialog box.
-
8
Click "OK."
-
9
Click on the "X" in the upper right-hand corner to close the Group Policy dialog box.
-
10
Click "Start," choose "Turn Off Computer" and select "Restart" to restart your computer so the change can take affect.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If your Windows XP Professional network is set up where one computer is acting as a server and other computers are only accessing the server computer, you only have to disable the workgroup password setting on the server computer. If all of the computers are accessing each other, you will have to disable the workgroup password setting on each computer.
