Here are some tips to make sure that you don't get locked out after updating your CW computer account password. 

  • Passwords must be a minimum of 16 characters long.
  • Passwords must contain:
    • 1 Upper Case Letter
    • 1 Lower Case Letter
    • 1 Number
    • 1 Special Character
  • Passwords can not be changed by yourself more than once in a 24 hour period. If you require another password change within this timeframe, please reach out to the Help Desk during business hours at x7300 (757-220-7300) or have your manager submit a ticket online at https://itsupport.cwf.org 
  • Avoid reusing any password you have already used in the past.
  • Your password will expire every 180 days (6 months).
  • To make your password hard to guess, we have made so some words cannot be used in passwords. For instance, “password”, “colonial”, “williamsburg” and “foundation” are words that are blocked from being used. Other combinations blocked include (but not limited to) repeating letters or characters, and other such things that are commonly used in simple passwords. 
  • If you use your account on multiple devices, you may need to update your stored password on those devices.

Overview

Accounts can be frequently locked out when the password on one or more devices are not updated.

This document is intended to help users identify any devices where their computer account password might be stored and update them appropriately. 

Windows

Credential Manager:

  • Go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Credential Manager
  • Click Windows Credentials
  • Click the arrow next to any Credential that has your username@cwf.org or cwf\username in it.
  • Click Remove.

Outlook:

  • Close out of Outlook
  • Re-open each application and enter your updated password when prompted.  You may check the “Remember” checkbox

Mac

Apple Keychain

DO NOT store your Colonial Williamsburg passwords in your Apple Keychain as this can cause your account to be continuously locked out after a password change.  This happens when you select “Remember me” when connecting to CW resources such as network shared folders or VPN.

**If for any reason you are prompted to enter your username and password to connect to the Staff-Secure Wi-Fi or 'cwf.org' wired internet while utilizing a Colonial Williamsburg issued Mac, please contact the Help Desk for remediation**


Outlook:

  • Open Outlook and go to Tools > Accounts
  • Update the password box

Work Issued iPhone or iPad

  • Open the "CompPortal" Company Portal application
  • Sign back in utilizing your full username@cwf.org and updated password
  • You should be able to connect to Staff-Secure with your new credentials

Personal iPhone or iPad

Microsoft Applications

  • The supported phone application for email is Microsoft Outlook.
  • All Microsoft phone applications will automatically prompt you to sign in again after your password is updated.

Wi-Fi:

  • Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.  Tap the “i” next to Staff-Secure.
  • Tap Forget This Network.
  • Tap Forget.
  • Back at the Wi-Fi screen, select Staff-Secure to connect again.
  • Enter your username (WITHOUT "@cwf" and your updated password, then tap Join.
  • If you get a Certificate prompt, tap Trust.


Other Tips

Consider all devices that you use, even ones not issued by CWF.  Do you have any services or apps on such a device that use your cwf.org credentials?