Problem: When attempting to connect to a remote Vista machine, you receive the message "Your credentials did not work". Vista does not allow a blank password when connecting with remotely via remote desktop. The obvious solution would be to create a password for the account but I hate that.

Solution: Enable blank passwords with the Group Policy Object Editor or via the registry.

Using Group Policy Object Editor to Enable Blank Passwords

Local Computer Policy -> Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options -> Set 'Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only' to Disable

Using the Registry to Enable Blank Passwords

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Lsa]
"LimitBlankPasswordUse"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa]
"LimitBlankPasswordUse"=dword:00000001

Alternatively you can download the following zip file containing reg files to enable and disable blank passwords. These worked on Vista x64 and might work on the 32-bit version as well. As always though use at your own risk.

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