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Niagara 4 Supervisors & WorkplacesHow to reset a PC's Passphrase

How to reset a PC's Passphrase

The platform passphrase is used to secure connections between Niagara Workbench and Stations/Supervisors. If you've forgotten the passphrase or need to reset it for security reasons, this guide provides step-by-step instructions.

Overview

The platform passphrase:

  • Secures Connections: Protects Workbench-to-Station connections
  • Prevents Unauthorised Access: Requires passphrase for platform connections
  • Stored Locally: Passphrase is stored on the local PC
  • Per-User: Each Windows user account has its own passphrase

Understanding Passphrase Storage

Storage Location

The passphrase is typically stored in:

  • Windows User Profile: User-specific location
  • Niagara Configuration: Niagara configuration directory
  • Encrypted Format: Stored in encrypted form for security

Passphrase Scope

  • User-Specific: Each Windows user has separate passphrase
  • Station-Specific: May be configured per Station connection
  • Platform-Wide: Can be set for all platform connections

Step-by-Step Reset Process

Step 1: Open Workbench

  1. Launch Niagara Workbench
  2. If prompted for passphrase, proceed to reset process

Step 2: Access Platform Settings

  1. Go to File → Preferences
  2. Navigate to Platform section
  3. Look for Passphrase or Security settings

Step 3: Reset Passphrase

  1. Locate Change Passphrase or Reset Passphrase option
  2. Click the reset option
  3. Enter new passphrase (if required)
  4. Confirm new passphrase
  5. Click OK to save

Step 4: Reconnect to Stations

  1. Close and reopen Workbench if necessary
  2. Reconnect to Stations using new passphrase
  3. Verify connections work correctly

Method 2: Reset via Command Line

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

  1. Press Windows Key + R
  2. Type cmd and press Enter
  3. Navigate to Niagara installation directory (if needed)

Step 2: Locate Platform Tools

  1. Navigate to Niagara bin directory
  2. Look for platform management tools
  3. Use appropriate command-line tool for passphrase reset

Step 3: Execute Reset Command

Run the passphrase reset command (exact command varies by Niagara version):

niagara-platform -reset-passphrase

Or:

java -jar platform-tools.jar -reset-passphrase

Method 3: Manual Configuration Reset

Step 1: Close Workbench

  1. Ensure Niagara Workbench is completely closed
  2. Close all Workbench windows
  3. Verify no Workbench processes are running

Step 2: Locate Configuration Files

Navigate to Niagara configuration directory:

  • Typical location: C:\Users\[Username]\Niagara\ or
  • C:\Niagara\ or
  • %APPDATA%\Niagara\

Step 3: Backup Configuration

  1. Create backup of configuration directory
  2. Copy entire configuration folder to backup location
  3. This allows restoration if needed

Step 4: Remove Passphrase Files

  1. Look for passphrase-related files:

    • passphrase.dat
    • platform.pwd
    • security.properties
    • Similar security/passphrase files

  2. Delete or rename these files

  3. Warning: Be careful not to delete other important files

Step 5: Restart Workbench

  1. Launch Niagara Workbench
  2. Workbench will prompt for new passphrase
  3. Enter new passphrase
  4. Confirm passphrase

Method 4: Reset via Registry (Advanced)

Warning: Registry editing can cause system issues. Use with caution.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows Key + R
  2. Type regedit and press Enter
  3. Navigate with caution

Step 2: Locate Niagara Registry Keys

Navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Tridium\Niagara

Or:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Tridium\Niagara

Step 3: Find Passphrase Entries

Look for passphrase-related registry values:

  • Passphrase
  • PlatformPassphrase
  • SecurityPassphrase

Step 4: Delete or Modify Values

  1. Backup registry before making changes
  2. Delete or modify passphrase registry values
  3. Close Registry Editor

Step 5: Restart Workbench

  1. Launch Workbench
  2. Enter new passphrase when prompted

Setting a New Passphrase

Passphrase Requirements

When setting a new passphrase:

  • Length: Typically 8-32 characters (check your version requirements)
  • Complexity: Use mix of letters, numbers, and special characters
  • Security: Choose a strong, memorable passphrase
  • Documentation: Securely document passphrase for team access

Best Practices

  • Strong Passphrase: Use complex passphrase for security
  • Secure Storage: Store passphrase securely (password manager)
  • Team Access: Ensure team members have access to passphrase
  • Regular Updates: Consider periodic passphrase updates

Troubleshooting

Passphrase Not Accepted

If new passphrase is not accepted:

  1. Check Requirements: Verify passphrase meets requirements
  2. Re-enter Carefully: Ensure passphrase is entered correctly
  3. Case Sensitivity: Check if passphrase is case-sensitive
  4. Special Characters: Verify special characters are supported
  5. Reset Again: Try reset process again

Cannot Connect After Reset

If unable to connect to Stations after reset:

  1. Station Passphrase: Verify Station passphrase matches (if required)
  2. Connection Settings: Check connection settings in Workbench
  3. Network Connectivity: Verify network connectivity to Station
  4. Station Status: Verify Station is running and accessible
  5. Firewall: Check firewall settings

Multiple User Accounts

If multiple users need access:

  1. Per-User Passphrase: Each user sets their own passphrase
  2. Shared Passphrase: Consider using same passphrase for team
  3. Documentation: Document passphrase for team access
  4. Access Control: Use Windows user accounts for access control

Passphrase Forgotten Again

To prevent future issues:

  1. Documentation: Document passphrase securely
  2. Password Manager: Use password manager for storage
  3. Team Access: Ensure team has access to passphrase
  4. Recovery Process: Document recovery process for team

Security Considerations

Passphrase Security

  • Strong Passphrases: Use strong, complex passphrases
  • Regular Updates: Periodically update passphrases
  • Access Control: Limit who knows the passphrase
  • Secure Storage: Store passphrases securely

Recovery Planning

  • Documentation: Document passphrase reset process
  • Backup: Keep backups of configuration files
  • Team Knowledge: Ensure team knows recovery process
  • Support Contact: Know who to contact for assistance

Additional Resources

  • Niagara 4 Security Guide
  • Platform Authentication Documentation
  • Password Management Best Practices
What to do when a Platform login is failing