What Is Active Directory?

Active Directory is a database that stores information about computing resources, including the credentials used to log into Exchange. These credentials are your IT Active Directory/Exchange user name and password.

What Is My Active Directory/Exchange User Name & Password?

Your IT Active Directory/Exchange user name is not the same as your IT Account NetID. Your IT Active Directory/Exchange user name is your IT Account NetID followed by "@ads.umass.edu". For example, a user with an IT Account NetID "abcdefg" has the IT Active Directory/Exchange user name "abcdefg@ads.umass.edu". Note: Some Exchange accounts may use NetID@umass.edu instead of NetID@ads.umass.edu. Check with the IT professional in your department.

There is another way to write your IT Active Directory/Exchange user name: your IT Active Directory domain (e.g., AdminFin, Advancement, Campus, RESUO, Provost, SARIS), followed by a backslash (\), followed by your IT Account NetID. For example, a user with a NetID "abcdefg" in the Campus domain can write their username as "campus\abcdefg".

Note: Your IT Active Directory/Exchange password might be different than your IT Account password.

Having Problems with IT Active Directory/Exchange Account log in?

If you cannot to log into your Exchange account, please follow the steps below:

1. Make sure you have an active IT Active Directory/Exchange account. If you are not sure whether your IT Active Directory/Exchange account is active, contact the IT Help Center.

2. Attempt to log into the Outlook Web App (OWA) using your IT Active Directory/Exchange credentials. If you get an error, you either are using the wrong password, or your account has been locked due to multiple failed log in attempts. To change your password or unlock your account, you first need to know which Active Directory domain your account is in (e.g., AdminFin, Advancement, Campus, RESUO, Provost, SARIS). If you are not sure, please contact your departmental IT staff or email Exchange Help.

3. If you are in the Campus Domain, you can reset your password in SPIRE and unlock your account by taking the following steps:
   1. Log in to SPIRE. In the SPIRE Main Menu, go to IT Accounts > My IT Accounts, then click your NetID.
   2. On the Account Detail page, click Change Password. A pop up message will appear confirming your password has changed. This will change your IT Account password and your IT Active Directory/Exchange account password.

4. If you are not in the Campus Domain, to unlock your account or change your Active Directory/Exchange account password, please contact your departmental IT staff or email Exchange Help. Note: If your account is locked outside of normal business hours, you must stop attempting to authenticate to your account for 30 minutes in order for the lock to expire. Please ensure that you do not have any programs or devices (e.g., Mozilla Thunderbird or an iPhone) with a stored password attempting to connect to Exchange.