Re: Merging two tables which contain passwords with different encryption methods [SOLVED]

[Dave]

> No, because that would require MySQL to 'see' the plain text version 
> of the password. For MySQL to do that, the proces would look something 
> like:
> PASSWORD()ed password  --->  plain text  --->  MD5ed password
> The first link in that chain is mathematically impossible (even if you 
> never saw the plain text password, it would have to get to that stage 
> in order to be put through the MD5 algorithm).

Okay, that makes the situation very clear. I now understand that MySQL 
can not manipulate encrypted passwords for the purpose of changing 
encryption methods. While this is not very convenient for my current 
circumstances, I do also understand that this is for security purposes, 
and protects the user's privacy.

I will have to copy over the user data, inserting in some temporary 
passwords, and then require the users to create their own afterwards.

Thank you for your explanation. I can now make a plan to go forward with 
the merging of the user tables.

Dave