When you change the user password on a Microsoft Windows XP-based computer, you lose access to data

When you change the user password on a Microsoft Windows XP-based computer, you lose access to data.

This problem occurs if the Data Protection API (DPAPI) protects data when the domain-joined computer is offline.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

To work around this behavior, change the password back to the original password.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

The DPAPI helps protect data in Microsoft Windows 2000 and in later operating systems by protecting private keys and confidential information. The DAPI also protects stored credentials in Windows XP and in later operating systems. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: