Authentication Information

Having to re-enter authentication information such as usernames and passwords when connecting to networks and sites can be an irritation, if the locations are visited often. Windows 7 includes a feature known as the Credential Manager which allows users to securely store login information for automatic entry when visiting specific sites or network locations. Regrettably, errors sometimes occur which prevent access to the Credential Manager.

Accessing Credential Manager
The Credential Manager is accessed from the Windows Control Panel as of the choices available in the "User Accounts and Relatives Safety" control group. The Credential Manager window displays a list of all Windows credentials, online certificates and generic credentials that are stored in an encrypted file location known as the Windows Vault. New credentials can be added by hand from the User Accounts window by clicking the link to add a credential in the upper right corner of the credentials list appropriate to the entry you require to add.

Credential Manager Issues
When trying to open the Credentials Manager window, some users encounter error messages stating that Windows cannot access the Credentials Manager. As long as Windows cannot access the Credentials Manager, new credentials cannot be saved by the technique. The error can be due to improperly-set file permissions that do not recognize the user as the owner of the credentials or damaged technique files that are necessary to access the Credentials Manager and the Windows Vault.

Correcting Possession Issues
To correct possession issues, a user must turn on the advanced file option that makes hidden files visible and then navigate to the "AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials" folder under his username in the "Users" listing of his computer. One time there, the user ought to check the possession of files in the listing by taking a look at the advanced security settings in the files' "Properties" window. If the user is not listed as the owner of the files on the "Owner" tab he can edit the possession of each file so that Windows recognizes him as the proper owner.

Repairing Technique Files
If technique files have become damaged, corrupted or deleted, a Windows utility known as the Technique File Checker can be used to identify, repair or replace them. The device must be launched from a command prompt walking with administrative privileges, accomplished by right-clicking the "Command Prompt" icon in the "Accessories" folder and selecting the "Run As Administrator" option. At the prompt the user ought to type "sfc /scannow" without the quotes and press the "Enter" key. The Technique File Checker will scan all Windows technique files, making repairs where necessary to restore them to proper working order.