Is there a way within Windows XP to unmask the logon screen password without using third party software? In other word to make it visible as you type.
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Is there a way within Windows XP to unmask the logon screen password without using third party software? In other word to make it visible as you type.
I don't think so, if there is I certainly have never heard of it.
I think the fact that there are so many third party unmasking applications available is a pretty good indication that it cannot be done from within Windows itself.
Also, it wouldn't make much sense from a security viewpoint?
That is what I think but this was a question from an instructor of mine.
Hmmmm,
Might be a trick question? suppose the password was set to blank, typing in blank would actually show nothing (blank) but would be exactly what you had typed?
I am not on XP right now so I cannot see if that would work.
He swears up and down it is a registry edit but will only work till the machine is re-started unless you make a second change to the registy to have it not revert back. I think he is pulling our chain but whoever finds it will get a automatic A!
Hmmmm,
I don't know if you can access it or if it is stored in the Registry, but what you look at when logging in is a form. The boxes have a data type associated with them and "type=password" results in the substitution.
If you could change that to "type=text" it should have the desired effect.
I am sorry that I cannot research it any further, as I mentioned, I am not using an XP machine at the moment.
The Wolfman has never heard of a registry tweak that will unmask the logon screen password either. A search of some registry tweak sites also reveals nothing. If the tweak existed, I'm sure one of those sites would have listed it.
I've personally never heard of it. If that is the case and the registry tweak can't survive reboots (why?), then after you find out what it is... use the local security policy to assign a startup script to change or add the registry key.Quote:
Originally Posted by DODGERMP
Simple solution, have him demonstrate it..
Tried that. He says it was shown to him once and he won't show anyone else. I am really thinking he is just trying to keep the class busy. I am not a novice at computers and am only in the class for the Certification. I figured if it were possible someone here would have heard of it! If it can't be found here it does not exist!
Ha. He's full of it. Yankin' your chain man. ;)Quote:
Tried that. He says it was shown to him once and he won't show anyone else.
Well guys, I was and still am pretty sceptical about this, however, I did see that it was suggested that you needed two Registry entries to make this work permanently?
I think that this is a "trick question" rather than a true "tweak"
I wonder if it might have something to do with setting a user account to automatically logon?
You put the user name and password in the Registry, then you set AutoLogon to 1 or something to make it permanently active. Like I don't think it resets (I agree with phish~, that would be weird) It just doesn't work unless you activate it, which is rather different.:D
So, I ask myself what happens with an autologon account? I guess it brings up the user ID but does it put anything in the password field? If it doesn't you might be able to type stuff in there which should be ignored? and might be displayed?
Now, that wouldn't be what this instructor has implied, but it sure would look like it? :cool:
Damn, when I was in school I had to actually earn my A's. And dumpster diving for carbon copies of tests was hard work! (yeah, I said carbon copies damnit :eek: )Quote:
but whoever finds it will get a automatic A!
Carbon Copies.....OMG....
yur really old ;)
MLF
Hi MLF,
Actually, the technology isn't that outdated. I clearly remember loading multipart music ruled carbon copying paper sets into the splitting and folding machine (an IBM can't remember the model number).
Then we got NCR (no carbon required) paper sets.
Decent quality laser printing is relatively recent as it happens :D
Actually, I still have a fully functional 24-pin dot matrix printer with fan folded tractor feed :eek:
Have asked if that is the answer he might be looking for as I have done that in the past, but when you do it that way the logon on screen just flashes by and you never see anything.Quote:
Originally Posted by nihil
Yep...I am thinking autologon also
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315231
MLF
edit> 2 reg edits needed ;)
Yes, the autologon process might have a "quirk" in it?
What if you don't set the autologon to 1........................ it won't be remembered but what happens if you just log out the user and log back in during the same session? (i.e. not reboot).Quote:
Have asked if that is the answer he might be looking for as I have done that in the past, but when you do it that way the logon on screen just flashes by and you never see anything.
Also, what about the "don't autofill the last user name" facility. You would get two blank fields.
Now, that might require typing in the user name to activate? so you type in the user and then what you want in the password then hit enter for it to autologon?
Hey, it is the weekend so I will fire up an XP box and at least play the same game on the same field? :dunce:
Makes me miss good old xp, I have a computer at home that still runs it, so when I go home this weekend I will sit down and see if we cant find something useful in the files. maybe try switching the login screens
http://www.theeldergeek.com/welcome_...ssic_logon.htm
I am really reaching for stuff... but I will let you know if I find anything this weekend.
You used to be able to hack the Registry in win95 to do a similar tweak.
think the teacher is telling porky's. Or maybe he's gotten it confused with something else..