Password Assistance

What is it?

A collection of guides on what to do if you forgot your password or need to change it no matter where you are.

Table of Contents

• New User Logging in for the First Time
• Password Parameters
• Changing your password (On Campus)
• Forgot your Password
• Setting up your password reset tool
• Unlocking your account

Who can use it?

Anyone with a Montana Tech Account

New User Logging in for the First Time

Before ANY Password changes can be performed, the user will need to first acquire their default password.

1. Navigate to the User Password Management page outlined in Figure 1-1
   1. Accessing this page is outlined in Figure 1-2 through Figure 1-3.
2. Navigate to "Need to look up your password for the first time" highlighted in Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1

User Password Change or Reset page.

Figure 1-2

Top of Mtech.edu homepage. Navigate to find the MyMtech link which directs you to Figure 1-3.

Figure 1-3

MyMtech Login page with a link to navigate to the Password Change or Reset Page outlined in Figure 1-1.

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Password Parameters

When dealing with passwords, follow these requirements for password change or reset:

• At least six characters in length
• Cannot reuse previous two passwords
• Cannot contain username or real name
• Must contain three of the four following categories:
  • Uppercase letters: A-Z
  • Lowercase letters: a-z
  • Numbers: 0-9
  • Special characters: !, @, ?, etc.

NOTE: These are parameters specific to Montana Tech, but consider additional strategies for a stronger password:

• Use at least 12-14 characters
• Avoid dictionary words, names, or common terms

Wait 15 minutes after changing your password before attempting to log in. Also, clear any saved passwords in browsers, password managers, or WiFi. Multiple login attempts within 30 minutes will lock the account for security.

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Changing Your Password (On Campus)

Changing your password may be necessary if it’s expired or compromised. You must know your current password to change it. If you’ve forgotten your password, see Forgot Your Password.

To change your password:

1. Log onto a campus computer with your current credentials.
2. Press CTRL+ALT+DEL on the keyboard.
3. Select "Change a password..." as shown in Figure 4-1-1 or Figure 4-2-1.
4. Type in your old password, your new password, and then confirm your new password. See Figure 4-1-2 or Figure 4-2-2.

Windows 11

Figures for Windows 11:

Figure 4-1-1 - Selecting "Change a Password"	Figure 4-1-2 - Typing in Old and New Passwords

Windows 10

Figures for Windows 10:

Figure 4-2-1 - Selecting "Change a Password"	Figure 4-2-2 - Typing in Old and New Passwords

NOTE: For password requirements, see Password Parameters.

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Forgot Your Password?

If you need a password reset, log into your Microsoft account and select Forgot my password, or refer to the knowledge base for password reset.

Step 2: On the reset page, input your username or email, solve the CAPTCHA, and click Next.

Step 3: Select "I forgot my password" and click Next.

Step 4: Enter your verification code from your DUO mobile app and select Next.

Step 5: Type your new password, confirm it, and select Finish.

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Password Reset Tool Setup

To set up the password reset tool, follow instructions in this article.

Unlocking Your Account

Step 1: To unlock your account, try "Forgot my password" or visit the knowledge base for assistance.

Step 2: Enter your username/email, complete CAPTCHA, and click Next.

Step 3: Select "I know my password, but still can’t sign in" and click Next.

Step 4: Verify using your DUO app code and select Next to unlock.

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