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Changing Your File Server Password

Technology at Simmons College recommends that you change your file server password regularly to ensure the security of your computer and the integrity of your data. Your new password should be six to eight characters long and should include upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.

Caution: If your password is longer than eight characters, you will be unable to use Macintosh computers on campus, including lab machines. This does not apply to Express Web Stations, which do not require that you enter a password in order to use them.

Also see: Password Security for tips about how to choose a good password.

Note: to change your file server password, you must first log in using a Simmons computer on one of the Boston campuses. If you are off-site, please call the Help Desk at 617-521-2222.

Windows XP

1. Log into Windows as usual.
2. Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete.
3. From the popup window, select Change Password.
4. Enter your current password in the Old Password: field, and then type your desired password in the New Password: and Confirm New Password: fields.
5. Click OK.

Macintosh OS X 10.3 and above

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
2. Select the Accounts option from the System section. Note: if your username does not have the word "Network" underneath it, and the picture to the left of your username is not a silhouette with a blue background and stars behind it, resetting this password will not change your file server password, it will only change your password to this local computer. Please use a Windows computer to reset your password, or if you want to use a Macintosh to do so, go to the Library Information Commons or one of the labs (see General Access Computing and Labs for locations).
3. Click in the Password: field and press a key.
4. A window drops down asking you to authenticate. Enter your current password.
5. Enter your new password into the Password: field, and then again in the Verify: field.
6. Quit System Preferences to save your change.

Macintosh OS 10.2

Versions of Mac OS earlier than 10.3 are not set up to require your fileserver password in order to use the computer. The mechanism for changing fileserver passwords on these operating systems works in such a way that attempting to change your password will cause you to be unable to access the fileserver from a Windows computer. If your machine is running one of these operating systems, please use one of the public-access computers in the Library Information Commons to change your password.