Windows XP has a built-in password suggestion command that can create some very strong and unique passwords randomlyfor you. And best of all, the generated passwords satisfy all the common criteria for secure passwords which are:1. Passwords should not be words found in the dictionary.
2. Your password's length should be at least 8 characters long and has no repeating characters like ab22xy.
3. Passwords should be composed of alphanumeric characters, meaning that it contains both letters and numbers or even non-alphanumerics.
A word of caution before you try the following trick: Always note down the generated password as it may change your local Administrator account to that value.
The XP password generator can be used from either the Windows Command prompt or directly from the Run Dialog.
Open the Run dialog [Start->Run or Win+R] and type the following DOS command:
cmd /k net user administrator /random [There's a space between the words administrator and /random]
A very secure but random password would be displayed on the screen. Make sure you write it down somewhere as it won't be possible to generate the same password combination once the DOS window is closed. However, if you are not satisfied with the generated password, you can again type the following command in the open DOS window to get another password.
net user administrator /random [There's a space between the words administrator and slash before random]
The process can be repeated any number of times until you get the style of password you were looking for. While these passwords may be tough to remember, they can be a nightmare for password cracking programs.
Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out also mentions this and few other Windows XP security tips.
Original Source: Smartbro Blog [Thanks Shahrzaad]
Find this article at: http://labnol.blogspot.com/2006/09/dos-command-to-generate-really-strong.html
web: http://www.labnol.org/ email: amit@labnol.org
Reader Comments
I am not sure that letting the system generate a random password for you, and then writing it down is the best way to go about it! Strong passwords are those which are difficult to guess but easy to remember. The system generated password would definitely be difficult to guess, but it would also be very difficult to remember. Like combining the first letter from the words to your favorite song and adding in the numbers of a date in between would be one example.
An interesting exercise is to flip keyboards of any organization, and chances are you'll find neat Post-It notes under them with passwords written down, for at least 10% of the cases!
Written on 27/9/06 5:42 PM
Interpid - you are actually right. This doesn't create a memorable password though it's definitely quite strong and secure. So it may be difficult to remember unless someone notes it down on the back of his keyboard :)
I also like the Google Account tips for a secure password:
Don't use keyboard patterns (asdf) or sequential numbers (1234).
Include similar looking substitutions, such as the number zero for the letter 'O' or '$' for the letter 'S'.
Include phonetic replacements, such as 'Luv 2 Laf' for 'Love to Laugh'.
Written on 27/9/06 6:06 PM
sorry but it did not work... instead of generating a unique password it just suggested the correct usage of NET command
Written on 27/9/06 6:03 PM
The user name could not be found.
More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2221.
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>net user administrator /random
The user name could not be found.
More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2221.
Written on 27/9/06 11:16 PM