You must create a password hint when you install a version of Windows Vista that includes Service Pack 1

When you install a version of Windows Vista that includes Service Pack 1 (SP1), you are prompted to type a user name as the last step of the setup process. This is the first account that is created on the computer.

When you are prompted to type a user name, you are also prompted about whether you want to create a password for the account. If you decide to create a password, you must also create a password hint.

This is a change in behavior from versions of Windows Vista that do not include SP1. In pre-SP1 versions of Windows Vista, it is optional to create a password hint when you create a password.

The password hint feature is intended to remind users what the password is for the user account. However, you should remember that anyone who uses the computer can see the password hint. Therefore, you may not want to use the password hint feature. If you do not want to use the password hint feature, you can type a password or a phrase that is not meaningful. For example, you can type "Not being used" in the Password Hint box.

This change in behavior does not apply to accounts that you create by using the Users Account item in Control Panel. When you use the Manage Accounts feature to create a user account and a password, you do not have to create a password hint.