How to ... Get a Password

Please thoroughly read Password Policy and Procedures as a first step for all password matters.

Different NERSC resources use different password methods.

• For HPSS, you must change your password at the server auth.nersc.gov: see HPSS Passwords.
• All other resources (the computational machines, NIM and the NERSC website) use your NERSC LDAP (NIM) password. See Getting Started with NIM and Change NIM Password.

Once you have been informed that your NERSC account is active, and you have returned a signed Computer Use Policies Form, you can obtain a password for your account from the NERSC Account Support Group at 1-800-66-NERSC, menu option 2 (or 510-486-8612). If you forget your password, a new one may be obtained by calling the same number.

Logging In the First Time

Your initial computer password is only good for one login on each NERSC resource. This first login prompts you to change your password and then logs you off. You will be prompted to type the initial password and then to select a new password, which you will have to enter twice. Your new password must contain at least 8 characters, and Department of Energy Password Requirements are quite stringent. In addition to these requirements, your new password must differ from the initial password by at least 3 characters. As soon as you are logged off, you can login again with your new password.

Changing Your Password

Use the NIM web interface to change your password for all resources except HPSS. HPSS passwords are changed vis SSH to auth.nersc.gov. See HPSS Passwords.