How to fix “Unable to update the password. The value provided for the new password does not meet the length complexity or history requirements of the domain. [ERROR_PASSWORD_RESTRICTION (0x52D)]” – Error Code 1325

Overview

In this article, we’ll focus on resolving the issue described as: “Unable to update the password. The value provided for the new password does not meet the length complexity or history requirements of the domain. [ERROR_PASSWORD_RESTRICTION (0x52D)]”. This error, identified by the error code Error Code 1325, can impede your system’s performance, and here’s how you can fix it.

Identifying the Problem

Error Code 1325 occurs when you attempt to change a user’s password but the new password doesn’t meet the complexity or history requirements set by your domain. Common signs of this issue include:

• Inability to reset or change a user password
• Error message “Error Code 1325” displayed during password change attempts

Common Fixes

1. Check Password Requirements and Reset to Default:
– Navigate to “Active Directory Users and Computers” (dsa.msc)
– Right-click the domain and select “Properties”
– Under the “Password Policy” tab, edit and simplify the password complexity and history requirements
– Apply the changes and verify if the password change is successful

2. Reset User’s Password Manually:
– Log in as an administrator
– Use the command prompt (cmd.exe)
– Enter the command: “net user username newpassword” (replace “username” with the actual username and “newpassword” with a new password that meets the domain requirements)

3. Clear Password History:
– Open “Active Directory Users and Computers”
– Right-click the user and select “Properties”
– Under the “Account” tab, uncheck “Store Password Using Reversible Encryption”
– Click “Apply” and “OK”

Advanced Troubleshooting

1. Check Group Policy Settings:
– Go to “Group Policy Management” (gpmc.msc)
– Navigate to “Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Account Policies\Password Policy”
– Ensure that the “Enforce password history” and “Minimum password length” settings are appropriate

2. Reset Local Security Policy:
– Open “Local Security Policy” (secpol.msc)
– Click “Security Settings\Account Policies\Password Policy”
– Right-click “Password Policy” and select “Reset Policy to Default”

Conclusion

Error Code 1325 can be resolved by adjusting password requirements, manually resetting user passwords, clearing password history, and checking advanced settings such as Group Policy and Local Security Policy. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully update user passwords and prevent future occurrences of this error. Regularly reviewing and updating these settings can help maintain system security and ensure smooth user authentication.