AutoComplete for Passwords & Forms

Once you save a password (in a Web page) with the AutoComplete feature turned on, the password will be filled in automatically whenever you visit that page until the password is deleted, even if AutoComplete for passwords is turned off.

As soon as you type in the first characters, AutoComplete for passwords will present you with a drop-down box, with the appropriate choices. Just make your selection, and your Username / Password combination will be filled in automatically.

To disable completion of stored passwords:

1. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options
2. On the Content tab, click AutoComplete
3. Uncheck the option to use AutoComplete for User names and passwords on forms
4. Click Clear Passwords to clear all stored passwords.

Internet Explorer will also remember information you typed into form fields. This is a great time saver if you reguarly need to fill in details on forms. You can disable this by following the steps outlined above (using the Forms options instead).

How the AutoComplete Feature Works

The Internet Explorer 5 AutoComplete feature suggests matches as you type text in any of the following areas:

• The Address toolbar in Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer, or on the Windows desktop or taskbar
• The Open box in the Run dialog box accessed from the Start menu, or the Open dialog box accessed from the File menu in Internet Explorer
• Forms (including user names and passwords on forms) on Web pages

If you are using the Windows Desktop Update component included with Internet Explorer 4 or Microsoft Windows 98, the AutoComplete feature suggests matches as you type in an Address toolbar in Windows Explorer or in the Open box in the Run dialog box accessed from the Start menu. For information about installing the Windows Desktop Update component, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article No. Q165695.

The list of matches that the AutoComplete feature suggests for a Web address, folder, or program name is determined by examining the following items:

• Your Favorites and History folders
• The contents of the folder you specify for files or folders
• The contents of the left pane in Windows Explorer
• A list of your most recently typed addresses, commands, or AutoSearch queries, which are stored in the registry

The list of matches that the AutoComplete feature suggests for forms or user names and passwords on forms is stored on your computer and is encrypted to protect your privacy. Web sites cannot gain access to this information unless you submit the form or log in using the suggested password.

These AutoComplete features can be turned off as described above.