Troubleshooting Siemens HMI (WinCC) Issue on Machine with S7-300 - Help Needed!

Question:

Greetings team members, There is an issue with a Siemens Multi Panel (MP 377 12") on a machine (S7-300) at a client's location. The longstanding parameters set with the username "admin" and password "100" have suddenly stopped working. Despite multiple reboots of the PLC and HMI since yesterday, the issue persists. If anyone has insight into the root cause or a potential solution, please share. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you and have a wonderful day, Tim

Top Replies

WinCC offers a feature for setting a limit on the number of incorrect password attempts allowed for a user. When a user exceeds this limit (which can be customized in the WinCC project settings), the HMI system will automatically lock them out. This security measure is set to activate after 3 password attempts by default.

To reset the project, the only option available is to redownload it. You can also try restoring a ProSave backup or the backup created within the operating system, although I have not tested those methods personally. Before re-downloading the project, ensure to locate the setting in the user setup and disable it to prevent recurrence of the issue. It is important to note that logging in successfully does not reset the count. Therefore, if you make a mistake in entering your password twice, successfully log in, and then make another mistake a month later, you will be locked out. When downloading the project again, make sure to select the option to overwrite the user administration for the reset to take effect.

To reset a password, the alternative method involves utilizing a HMI page equipped with user administration functionality. Regrettably, a distinct user account with administrative privileges on the HMI platform is required for this process.

Thank you for the prompt response! In our previous attempts, we have tested multiple passwords and are unsure if there is a limit on login attempts. Aside from the default admin account, are there any other pre-existing users like technician or regular user? The system has an autoloader feature, making it difficult to access WinCC easily. I assume that the maximum login attempts setting is not stored in a separate file but rather embedded within the project. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Regards, Tim.

Which WinCC version is being used for the project?

Hey Tim, Sounds like a password issue, but it's strange that it would suddenly happen. One possible reason could be a firmware update where the default settings were restored, so you could check if that's the case. If not, you might need to reprogram the password parameters using the Siemens ProSave software to reset credentials again. Also, check if there's a communication issue between the PLC and HMI - ethernet cables, connectors, or even ports could be a potential culprit. Please keep us posted on your progress. Good luck!

Hi Tim, It sounds like there might be a fault with the operating system or a possible corruption of the system data, especially if the longstanding credentials have suddenly stopped working. You could try loading a previous backup to see if this resolves the issue. If that doesn't work, a factory reset might be necessary, albeit it's a more drastic step. After that, I'd recommend changing the password from the default setting for increased security. Always ensure your software backups are up to date just for such unexpected scenarios. Good luck, and do let us know how it goes!

Hi Tim, this sounds frustrating! It might be worth checking if there have been any recent updates or changes to the system that could have reset access credentials. Sometimes, user access can be affected by updates or recovery settings. If possible, you could also try accessing the HMI through a different user account or even reset it to factory settings, though that may involve losing some custom configurations. Let us know what you discover! Good luck!

More Replies →

Streamline Your Asset Management
See How Oxmaint Works!!

✅   Work Order Management

✅   Asset Tracking

✅   Preventive Maintenance

✅   Inspection Report

We have received your information. We will share Schedule Demo details on your Mail Id.

To add a comment, please sign in or register if you haven't already..   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What could be the possible reasons for the Siemens HMI parameters suddenly not working?

Answer: Answer: The sudden stoppage of the parameters might be due to various reasons such as software updates, changes in settings, or system errors.

FAQ: 2. How can I troubleshoot the Siemens HMI issue with the S7-300 machine?

Answer: Answer: You can begin troubleshooting by checking the connection between the HMI and PLC, verifying the settings in WinCC, and ensuring that the correct username and password are being used.

FAQ: 3. Are there any common troubleshooting steps to resolve Siemens HMI issues like this one?

Answer: Answer: Yes, common troubleshooting steps include checking for any recent changes, verifying the network connection, rebooting both the PLC and HMI, and ensuring that the login credentials are correct.

FAQ: 4. Is there a way to reset the Siemens Multi Panel to its default settings?

Answer: Answer: Yes, you can try resetting the Siemens Multi Panel to its default settings by following the manufacturer's instructions or consulting the user manual for guidance.

FAQ: 5. What should be done if the issue persists despite multiple reboots of the PLC and HMI?

Answer: Answer: If the problem continues even after multiple reboots, it might be necessary to delve deeper into the system configuration, check for any software conflicts, or consider seeking support from Siemens technical experts.

Ready to Simplify Maintenance?

Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.

Request Demo  â†’