Password Changes - on Ward Clerk Computers

I'm a Stake Tech Specialist. Recently I've needed to visit each ward clerk computer to update printers. Part of that included me signing into the ward clerk computers. Unfortunately many of clerk computers have had their passwords changed - making the work I need to do impossible.

I'm looking at a couple of ways to manage this more effectively, and found some entries in this forum. Some things are not clear though - so hoping for your help and guidance.

Some background
1) There is a setting on the PC that prevents a password from expiring. I'm able to select this if I can sign in.
2) There is another setting that prevents the ward clerk from changing the password. I'm unable to select this.

? Is there a level of access that will allow me to prevent the unit_##### id from changing its own password? If so, how do I get it for this purpose?

If I'm unable to prevent the unit_##### id from changing its own password, I'm wondering about setting up a "Stake Admin" ID; something that could be used to do anything needed by the Stake Tech Specialist. NOTE: I've read that while I could set up a Stake Admin id\pw, when the next operating system update comes, any customized ids will be automatically removed, thus making a Stake Admin id risky and mostly useless.

? If I set up a Stake Admin ID, with the needed access to perform Stake Level tasks, will it in fact go away when the operating system is updated? Will it go away at any other time?

Is there anything else I should consider to maintain access to ward clerk computers, reduce risk, and otherwise manage access to these devices?

Thank you in advance for your help and time - it is appreciated.

I've had a stake logon on most of the ward computers. I've not had it disappear. But it does have to be re-created when you install a new machine.

russellhltn wrote: Mon Apr 28, 2025 7:28 pm I've had a stake logon on most of the ward computers. I've not had it disappear. But it does have to be re-created when you install a new machine.

Thanks for this. Much appreciated.

russellhltn wrote: Mon Apr 28, 2025 7:28 pm I've had a stake logon on most of the ward computers. I've not had it disappear. But it does have to be re-created when you install a new machine.

Same here. Make sure that you set the stake account up with administrator account type.

Wards are encouraged to take charge of their own passwords. This leaves few options from the technology specialist except to create their own account when setting up the PC's for first use. Like others, I've been setting up a StakeAdmin account for STS use for many years. The general handbook 33:10 says for the stake & ward technology specialists to:

Ensure that (1) computers, software, and confidential information are secure and (2) data files are backed up regularly.

Hard to know if the data is secure if you can't login from time to time to check on it.