Microsoft KB Archive/303846

= Error Message: Unable to Log You on Because of an Account Restriction =

Article ID: 303846

Article Last Modified on 12/1/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional
 * Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition

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This article was previously published under Q303846





SYMPTOMS
When you try to connect to a Windows XP-based computer by using the Remote Desktop tool, you may receive the following error message:

Unable to log you on because of an account restriction.



CAUSE
This behavior can occur if the account you are using to connect with has a null (blank) password. You cannot establish Remote Desktop connections when you are using an account with a null password.



RESOLUTION
To work around this behavior so you can establish Remote Desktop connections, log on at the console of the computer, and then set a password for that user account so that it no longer has a null password.



STATUS
This behavior is by design.



MORE INFORMATION
You can disable blank password restrictions by using a policy. To locate and change this policy:
 * 1) Click Start, point to Run, type gpedit.msc, and then click OK to start the Group Policy Editor.
 * 2) Open Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options\Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only.
 * 3) Double-click Limit local account use of blank passwords to consol logon only.
 * 4) Click Disabled, and then click OK.
 * 5) Quit Group Policy Editor.

NOTE: By default, this policy is on (enabled).

For additional information about how to configure user accounts in Windows XP, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

279783 How to Create and Configure User Accounts in Windows XP

Keywords: kberrmsg kbprb KB303846

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