Windows Vista - How to Change a Password Policy Setting

In Windows Vista, users can protect theiris bigger than 0. You can use a value between 1 -
computer by setting up a password. It is24. It is recommended that you set the Enforce
important that you change it regularly so thatpassword history to 24 so that all will be
your information will be secured. When changingremembered.
the password policy, you will be required toThe maximum age sets the maximum days that
specify the minimum length and complexity.must pass before the user is required to change
To change the password policy, you must launchthe password. For example, if you set the
the Local Security Policy. If you are not anmaximum age to 15 days, Windows will prompt
administrator, it will prompt you for a password.you to change the it into a new one after 15
In the left navigation pane, you should selectdays. The maximum age is 70 days. You should
Password Policy. This is located under Accountnot set a high value for the maximum password
Policies. After selecting Password Policy, you willage because it will give opportunity to identity
be presented with a list of policies you can changethief to hack your computer.
including enforce password history, maximumThe minimum age sets the minimum days that
password age, minimum password length,must pass before the user is required to change
password must meet complexity requirementsit. For example, if you set the minimum password
and store passwords using reversible encryption.age to 1, you will be required to change it every
To change a password policy, you should doubleday. The minimum password length specifies the
click on it.minimum number of characters. You should set
The enforce history allows you to define howthis between 8 - 12 characters. The store
many password is remember. It prevent youpasswords using reversible encryption tells
from creating a new password that is similar withWindows to store it without encryption.
the old password. You should specify a value that