Computer Account Passwords
Details
About Passwords...
The University requires all computer system passwords to be a minimum of 8 characters in length, expire no more than every 90 days, and contain at least 1 numeric character and 1 special character (a special character is defined as any character not alphabetic or numeric, including a space).
Additionally, you cannot use any password you've previously used within the last 365 days.
Beginning July 23rd, OIT will implement case sensitivity for passwords in the Novell Password Group (see below).
Passwords for Different Accounts
The majority of systems on campus are governed by either the Novell password group or the Active Directory password group. If you reset your password for one of the systems within the group, your password will change for the entire group.
| Novell Password Group | Active Directory Password Group |
|
|
|
To reset the password for the above Novell Password Group systems, go to the BroncoWeb home page:
|
To reset the password for the above Active Directory Password Group systems, go to our Active Directory password change page.
|
Don't forget to synchronize your Novell password with your local workstation or Active Directory password!
PeopleSoft Passwords
Your PeopleSoft HRLS Back Office password does not fall under the Novell or Active Directory password groups listed above. To reset your Back Office password:
- Log in to PeopleSoft HRLS Back Office.
- Navigate to PeopleTools > Maintain Security > Use > My Profile .
- Select the Bsu Ldap Pswd Chg2 tab.
- Enter the old password, then enter and confirm the new password.
- Click the Change Password button. After processing, a confirmation notice should appear below the Change Password button.
If you are unable to login to HRLS due to a password or username error, please contact the Help Desk by phone at 426-4357.
Synchronize With Your Workstation or Domain
When you reset your Novell password via the BroncoWeb website, you also may need to reset your local workstation password to synchronize your Novell password with your local workstation password (or, if you computer is joined to the Boise State domain, your Active Directory password).
When you're logging in to your computer, you're entering a username and password used for both Novell, and either the local Windows account on the computer or the Active Directory side of the network.
So, if you reset your Novell password, you may need to separately reset your local workstation password or your Active Directory password before you can log into your computer using a single username/password combination.
To reset your password on a Microsoft Windows computer:
- Simultaneously press the three keys CTRL- ALT - DEL from within Windows. The Novell Security window will appear.
- Click the button at lower left, Change Password.
The Novell account is indicated by a tree icon with “BSU” next to it. There will also be either a local workstation (with the computer’s name) account or a domain (boisestate) account listed.
If you’ve already reset your Novell/GroupWise/BroncoWeb password via the BroncoWeb website, you only need to reset your local workstation or domain password:
- Left-click to highlight the non-“BSU” resource
- Enter your previous password
- Type your new password two times (it is recommended it should match the new Novell/GroupWise/BroncoWeb password)
- Click OK
Note: If the resource you selected is your local computer’s name (something other than “boisestate”) changing the password for your local computer will affect only that individual computer. It is not a network password and nothing else authenticates to it. However, if the resource you selected is “boisestate,” then you’ve changed your Active Directory password.
back to top
Confused?
Explaining this via the web may be confusing; you might find having us explain it over the phone and walking you through the password change process much easier. If so, call us at 426-4357, or submit a request 24/7 using Help Desk Self Service at https://support.boisestate.edu/
back to top
Password Advice
Resetting your password in accordance with University rules (spelled out at the top of this page) may be difficult to get used to; the days of setting a password to match the name of spouse, a child's birthdate, or your telephone number are over. Automated software used by hackers has made it too easy to guess these types of passwords. You may need to start thinking "outside the box" and develop a new mindset when choosing passwords. Techniques we recommend:
- Replace letters with special characters:
$ makes a great substitue for 's.' @ can replace 'a.' A zero can take the place of an 'o.' Think of a 3 as a backwards 'e.'
Note that replacing letters with special characters doesn't automatically create a strong password; you must combine this technique with numeric characters and other special characters to create a strong password. - Use passphrases instead of passwords:
Instead of thinking of a single word for your password, use a phrase. Let's say your favorite email tool is Google Apps. For "Google," replace the 'o' characters with zeroes. For "Apps" replace the vowel 'A' with the @ symbol.
You end up with the following passphrase that's not only memorable but meets all the rules: G00gle@pps - You can also abbreviate words to create even stronger passphrases:
Take the phrase "Google Apps is my favorite!" You may end up with: G00gle@ppsi$myf@v!
back to top
Google Apps for Education
Some features in Google Apps for Education (aka BroncoMail Powered by Google and Google Apps for Employees) require a separate Google Apps password.
back to top
Get Help
If you have difficulty changing any passwords, please contact the Help Desk at 426-4357. Passwords can only be changed over the phone or in person; for security reasons, requests via e-mail or Help Desk Self Service to reset passwords will not be honored.
Please note you will be asked for information to confirm your identity before your password can be changed.
We're open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday, and you can reach us at 426-4357, or via e-mail at helpdesk@boisestate.edu
back to top