IT Help Desk
The Help Desk is open 7AM to 7PM Monday through Friday, and staff there can reset your password anytime during those hours. Call 703-324-4357 (324-HELP) and choose option 1. On Saturdays and Sundays, during library open hours, you can get help by calling 703-324-4357 (HELP) and choosing option 2. You will be directed to the Operations Center, where the staff can reset passwords.
Self Service Password Reset
IMPORTANT: you must have Microsoft Authenticator set up before you can use this feature. Instructions on installing the app on a county or personal device are available here.
A simplified document of these steps is at the bottom of this post. Consider printing out and posting a copy of these instructions for your branch.
Make sure you have restarted or signed out of all work computers.
- Using any device with internet access (your coworker’s computer, the PCAM, your mobile device), go to https://passwordreset.microsoftonline.com/
- The PasswordHelp site referenced in several SharePoint pages is no longer an active service.
- Enter your county email address
- Enter the CAPTCHA text (case sensitive)
- Select Next
- You can choose between two options:
- I forgot my password (i.e. create a new password)
- I know my password, but still can't sign in (i.e. unlock my account without changing my password)
- Select Next
- Choose a verification method and enter the code you receive
- Select Next
If you chose the second option to unlock your account, you are done!
Otherwise, reset your password in the next screen.
Updating Your Password
There are several ways to update your password, whether it is time to change it or if you feel your password has been compromised. Due to county requirements, passwords must be changed every twelve months.
Passwords must be at least 14 characters long, but with no complexity requirements such as providing at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and/or one special character. Users are encouraged to use passphrases instead of single-word passwords to enhance complexity and ease of remembering.
Commonly weak and banned passwords will not be allowed by the system. This ban includes your username, parts of your full name, certain common dictionary words, easily guessable information (e.g., birthdates, names), and sequential patterns. For more information, check the county DIT's page on passwords.
IMPORTANT: Always make sure you are only logged into one device when changing your password. Make sure you have restarted or signed out of all other work computers.
You can change your password by going to this page: http://ffxonboarding.fairfaxcounty.gov/. Enter your email, current password, and your new password twice. Click Submit.
It is recommended to quit your browser completely, open it up again and log in using your usual login process, just to confirm all is well.
Additional methods are as follows:
- Change your password when onsite on your work computer desktop. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and then select "Change a Password" from the options that come up.
- From the FairfaxNET home page, select your icon then View Account. Then select Change Password
