Outlook Express Does Not Save Passwords  

Damaged Password List File Does Not Save Passwords (Q135197)

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows 95

• Microsoft Windows 98

• Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition

 SYMPTOMS

After you select the "Save this password in your password list" check box in any logon dialog box, you are prompted for your password the next time you try to use the same resource, even though the password has not changed.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if the password list file is damaged. Sometimes such damage is detected by Windows. When this occurs, Windows offers to delete the damaged file. However, some types of damage are not detected.

RESOLUTION

Locate and delete or rename your password list file. The file is named <Username>.pwl, where <Username> is the name you use to log on, and should be located in the Windows folder. After you delete or rename the file, restart Windows.

NOTE: If you rename your password list file, be sure to rename the .pwl file extension to a different extension (such as .xxx). If you do not rename the file extension, the password list file is loaded into memory.

NOTE : If you are using a personal certificate, you should export it before renaming your .pwl file. If you do not do so, it may be unavailable when you send e-mail. For more information, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: