How to Change User Password at Command Prompt (149427)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q149427

SUMMARY

This article describes how to use the net user command to change the user password at a Windows command prompt. Only administrators can change domain passwords at the Windows command prompt.

MORE INFORMATION

To change a user's password at the command prompt, log on as an administrator and type:

net user user_name * /domain

When you are prompted to type a password for the user, type the new password, not the existing password. After you type the new password, the system prompts you to retype the password to confirm. The password is now changed.

Alternatively, you can type the following command:

net user user_name  new_password

When you do so, the password changes without prompting you again. This command also enables you to change passwords in a batch file.

Non-administrators receive a "System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied" error message when they attempt to change the password.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/7/2003
Keywords:kbinfo KB149427
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