WFWG Err Msg: Error 59: An Unexpected Network Error...

• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you are running Windows for Workgroups 3.11 in conjunction with a Windows NT Advanced Server or Microsoft LAN Manager domain controller, attempts to change a user's domain password may fail and generate the following error message:

   Error 59: An unexpected network error has occurred.

CAUSE

A domain password change request can be denied because of one or more of the following reasons:

• The new password is one character in length.
• The new password is shorter than the domain controller requires.
• The new password is on the history list that the domain controller maintains.

RESOLUTION

A user can change his or her password from within Windows by using the Change Domain Password dialog box or by using the NET PASSWORD command at an MS-DOS command prompt. To do this:

• From Control Panel, choose the Network icon, Startup, and then Set Password. Type the old and new passwords and choose OK.

  -or-

• At the MS-DOS command prompt, use the following command:

        net password \\<computer> /domain:<name> <user> <oldpassword>
        <newpassword>
  

  where <computer> specifies your Windows NT or LAN Manager server, <name> specifies the Windows NT or LAN Manager domain on which you want to change your password, <user> specifies your Windows NT or LAN Manager user name, and <oldpassword> and <newpassword> specify your old and new passwords.

  For more information on the above command, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt:

        net password /?
  

MORE INFORMATION

Most domain controllers can be preset to require a specified length and type of password. Also, they can be configured to keep a history of the last "x" number of passwords for a given user. Normally, the user is not allowed to use any of the passwords on the history list. With Microsoft Windows NT and Microsoft LAN Manager 2.2 domain controllers, if the new password does not satisfy these requirements, the aforementioned error is displayed.