Troubleshooting the 0x18 Pre-Authentication Information Was Invalid Error: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you encountering the 0x18 pre-authentication information was invalid error while trying to log in to your Windows device? This error can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know what to do about it.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot this error and get back to using your device as soon as possible.
Understanding the 0x18 Pre-Authentication Error
The 0x18 pre-authentication error occurs when a user tries to log in to their Windows device, but the pre-authentication process fails. This error typically causes the login process to fail, resulting in either a blank screen or an error message stating the pre-authentication information was invalid.
The most common reason for this error is when the computer’s clock is set incorrectly. The authentication process involves transmitting encrypted data between the computer and the server, and an incorrect time setting can cause the encryption process to fail.
Other possible reasons for this error include incorrect domain name system (DNS) settings, issues with the Kerberos authentication process, and outdated or corrupt network drivers.
Steps to Troubleshoot the 0x18 Pre-Authentication Error
Step 1: Check Your Computer’s Time and Date Settings
The first step in troubleshooting the 0x18 pre-authentication error is to check your computer’s time and date settings. An incorrect time setting can cause this error to occur, so it’s essential to ensure your device’s clock is accurate.
To check your time and date settings in Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start menu, and select “Settings.”
2. Select “Time & Language.”
3. Select “Date & Time.”
4. Turn on “Set time automatically.”
5. Turn on “Set time zone automatically.”
6. Restart your device.
Step 2: Check Your DNS Settings
If your computer’s time and date settings are correct, the next step is to check your DNS settings. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, and an incorrectly configured DNS can cause the pre-authentication process to fail.
To check your DNS settings in Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
2. Select “Network & Internet.”
3. Select “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi,” depending on your connection type.
4. Click on “Change adapter options.”
5. Right-click on your connection and select “Properties.”
6. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
7. Select “Obtain DNS server address automatically.”
8. Restart your device.
Step 3: Check Your Network Drivers
If the previous steps did not resolve the error, the next step is to check your network drivers. Outdated or corrupt network drivers can cause the pre-authentication process to fail.
To check your network driver settings in Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the “Network adapters” category.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update Driver.”
4. If there is an available update, follow the instructions to install it.
5. Restart your device.
Step 4: Check Your Kerberos Settings
If the previous steps did not resolve the error, the last step is to check your Kerberos settings. Kerberos is an authentication protocol that verifies users’ identities, and a misconfigured Kerberos can cause the pre-authentication process to fail.
To check your Kerberos settings in Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Start menu and select “Run.”
2. Type “regedit” and click “OK.”
3. Navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\Kerberos\Parameters.”
4. Check the value of the “MaxPacketSize” key. If it is set to 1, change it to 0.
5. Restart your device.
Conclusion
The 0x18 pre-authentication information was invalid error can be frustrating, but it’s essential to follow the steps above to resolve it. Checking your computer’s time and date settings, DNS settings, network drivers, and Kerberos settings can often resolve the error and get you back to using your device as usual. Remember to follow each step carefully and restart your device after completing each one.
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