Windows XP logon screen unmask password

[DODGERMP]

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.

[nihil]

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?

[DODGERMP]

That is what I think but this was a question from an instructor of mine.

[nihil]

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.

[DODGERMP]

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!

[nihil]

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.

[wolfman1984]

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.

[phishphreek]

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!

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.

[SirDice]

Simple solution, have him demonstrate it..

[DODGERMP]

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!