You receive a "The system cannot change your password now because the domain <DomainName> is not available" error message when you try to change your password in Windows XP or in Windows 2000

When you try to change your password in Microsoft Windows XP or in Microsoft Windows 2000 on a locked-out account that has the User must change password at next logon attribute set, you receive an error message that is similar to the following:Note In this error message, DomainName is a placeholder for the actual domain name.

This problem occurs because the account is missing its default service principal name (SPN).

To resolve this problem, log on as a local Administrator and then apply the hotfix that is mentioned in the following article:

If you cannot resolve this problem by applying the hotfix, log on as a local Administrator and then follow these steps.

Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows 2000 Advanced Server

1. On the desktop, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Network Identification tab, and then click Properties.
3. Click More, and then click to select the Change primary DNS suffix when domain membership changes check box.
4. Click OK four times.
5. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.

Microsoft Windows XP Professional

1. On the desktop, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Computer Name tab, and then click Change.
3. Click More, and then click to select the Change primary DNS suffix when domain membership changes check box.
4. Click OK four times.
5. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.