Generic DUN Password Saving advice

The password list is corrupted.

Probably. Besides passwords that don't stick, another common symptom of a bad password list is an abrupt error (page fault or GPF) when DUN is trying to log in to a server.

The only fix is to clear the old list and start anew. Password lists are stored in the Windows folder as files with a .PWL extension. Generally, it's in the form "username.PWL" or Rna.PWL.

Note: Your username should not contain any characters that cannot be used in a filename. Things like colons, slashes, and pipes will prevent the PWL file from being created. You will not receive any error messages, but no passwords will be saved.

To disable the password file, rename it (e.g. username.pwl.old). Exit and restart windows. A fresh file will be created. Unfortunately, you'll lose all previously saved passwords, so make sure you know what they are so you can enter them as needed.

If you are asked to log in as a new user, enter your user name, and no password (unless you actually want one at startup.) Do NOT click Cancel. Click OK.

For more information, see the Knowledge Base article Dial-Up Networking Password Is Not Saved.

If you installed Service Pack 1 (Win95)

There was a problem with the original password update that can cause a PWL store to stop working. Please see Enhanced Encryption for Windows 95 Password Cache for details.

The article also includes a link to an updated version of the system password components which corrects the problem. However, if the password list has already been affected, you'll need to apply the update, then follow the procedure above to build a new list.

Password files are associated with individuals. So Windows won't save passwords unless it knows who's logged in.

There are a couple of options you can use to get it to recognize you.

Install the Client For Microsoft Networks.

Win98 notes

This is done from the Network applet in Control Panel.

In the dialog, click on Add, choose Client, then Client for Microsoft Networks. Restart windows when prompted after copying the files. (You may need to add a username and machine name. Make sure the names don't include an @ sign, or any extended international characters.)

If you are asked to log in as a new user, enter a name, and no password. Do NOT click Cancel. Click OK. Confirm that you want settings saved.

This will set your machine up as a network client, even on a standalone system. The effect is to add some functions (like automatic logon) that aren't otherwise available. Once installed, go back to the Networks applet and change the Primary Logon to "Windows Logon."

If the client is installed, and passwords still aren't being saved, especially for multiple connections, check the Access Control tab in Network and verify that "Share level access" is enabled.

Note that an anonymous login can also be caused by the bogus "autologon" glitch.

Or use a dialing automation program.

The overwhelming favorite in this category is DUNCE.

It eliminates the need to have DUN remember logon passwords at all. The program will enter them for you. Even if you don't need it for that, it's still well worth checking out for some of its other nifty features.