Are you locked out of your Windows Server 2012 R2 because you forgot the administrator password? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Forgetting the administrator password can happen to anyone, but it can be a frustrating situation. However, there are several methods you can try to reset the administrator password and regain access to your server.
In this blog post, we will discuss multiple methods that you can use to reset the administrator password on Windows Server 2012 R2. We will explain each method in detail and provide step-by-step instructions on how to execute them. By the end of this post, you will have the knowledge to reset your administrator password and regain access to your server.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Reset Administrator Password on Windows Server 2012 R2
There are several reasons why you may need to reset the administrator password on your Windows Server 2012 R2. Here are a few common scenarios:
1. Forgotten Password: The most common reason for needing to reset the administrator password is simply forgetting it. If you haven’t used your server in a while or if you have multiple passwords to remember, it’s easy to forget the administrator password.
2. Employee Turnover: If you’re managing a server for a company, there may be times when an employee leaves and forgets to disclose the administrator password. In such cases, resetting the password is necessary to maintain access and security.
3. Security Breach: If you suspect that someone has unauthorized access to your server or if you detect suspicious activity, resetting the administrator password can help secure your server and prevent further unauthorized access.
Regardless of the reason, it’s important to have the knowledge and tools to reset the administrator password on your Windows Server 2012 R2.
Method 1: Resetting Administrator Password via Command Prompt
Resetting the administrator password via Command Prompt is a straightforward method that requires physical access to the server. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Restart your Windows Server 2012 R2 and boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu by pressing the F8 key during startup.
2. Select "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" from the list of options.
3. Once the Command Prompt window appears, type the following command and press Enter: "net user Administrator *"
4. You will be prompted to enter a new password for the administrator account. Type a new password and press Enter. You will need to confirm the password by typing it again.
5. Once the password has been successfully reset, restart your server and log in using the new password.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to reset the administrator password.
2. Requires only physical access to the server.
3. Does not require any external tools or software.
Cons:
1. Requires restarting the server, which may result in downtime.
2. Requires physical access to the server, which may not be possible in certain scenarios.
Bonus Tip:
Make sure to choose a strong and unique password to protect your server from unauthorized access.
Method 2: Resetting Administrator Password via Installation Disk
Another method to reset the administrator password on Windows Server 2012 R2 is by using the installation disk. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Insert the installation disk into your server and restart it.
2. Boot from the installation disk and choose your language preferences.
3. Click on "Repair your computer" in the bottom left corner.
4. Select "Troubleshoot" and then "Command Prompt" from the options.
5. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command:
– "c:"
– "cd Windows\System32"
– "ren utilman.exe utilman.exe.bak"
– "copy cmd.exe utilman.exe"
6. Close the Command Prompt window and restart your server from the installation disk.
7. When the log-in screen appears, click on the "Ease of Access" button in the bottom right corner. This will open the Command Prompt.
8. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter: "net user Administrator *"
9. Enter a new password for the administrator account and confirm it.
10. Close the Command Prompt and log in using the new password.
Pros:
1. Works even if you don’t have physical access to the server.
2. Resetting the password using the installation disk does not require any external tools or software.
Cons:
1. Requires an installation disk, which may not be readily available.
2. May result in downtime during the restart process.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Works even if you don’t have physical access to the server. | 1. Requires an installation disk, which may not be readily available. |
| 2. Resetting the password using the installation disk does not require any external tools or software. | 2. May result in downtime during the restart process. |
Method 3: Resetting Administrator Password via Third-Party Software
If the previous methods didn’t work for you, or if you prefer a more user-friendly approach, you can use third-party software to reset the administrator password. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Download and install a reputable third-party password recovery tool on a separate computer.
2. Create a bootable USB or CD/DVD using the password recovery tool.
3. Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into your Windows Server 2012 R2 and restart it.
4. Boot from the bootable media and follow the on-screen instructions of the password recovery tool to reset the administrator password.
5. Once the password has been reset, remove the bootable media and restart your server.
6. Log in using the new password.
Pros:
1. User-friendly interface and step-by-step instructions provided by the third-party software.
2. Works even if you don’t have physical access to the server.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software, which may not be preferable for some users.
2. Some third-party software may come with a cost.
Bonus Tip:
Ensure that you download the password recovery tool from a reputable source to prevent any security risks.
Method 4: Resetting Administrator Password Using Active Directory
If your Windows Server 2012 R2 is part of an Active Directory domain, you can reset the administrator password using the Active Directory Users and Computers tool. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Log in to a domain controller using an account that has administrative privileges.
2. Open the Active Directory Users and Computers tool by clicking on the Start button, typing "dsa.msc," and pressing Enter.
3. Navigate to the Users container, find the administrator account, and right-click on it.
4. Select "Reset Password" from the context menu.
5. Enter a new password for the administrator account and confirm it.
6. Click OK to save the changes.
7. Restart your Windows Server 2012 R2 and log in using the new password.
Pros:
1. Resetting the password using Active Directory can be done remotely without the need for physical access to the server.
2. Does not require any external tools or software.
Cons:
1. Requires administrative privileges on a domain controller.
2. Only applicable if the server is part of an Active Directory domain.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Resetting the password using Active Directory can be done remotely without the need for physical access to the server. | 1. Requires administrative privileges on a domain controller. |
| 2. Does not require any external tools or software. | 2. Only applicable if the server is part of an Active Directory domain. |
What to Do If You Can’t Reset the Administrator Password on Windows Server 2012 R2
If you have tried all the methods mentioned above and still can’t reset the administrator password on your Windows Server 2012 R2, there are a few things you can try:
1. Contact Support: Reach out to Microsoft Support or the vendor of any third-party software you used for assistance. They may be able to provide further guidance or solutions.
2. Reinstall the Operating System: While this should be a last resort, reinstalling the operating system will give you a fresh start with a new administrator password. However, keep in mind that this process will erase all data and configurations on the server, so make sure to have proper backups in place.
3. Seek Professional Help: If you’re not comfortable attempting these methods yourself or if you’re dealing with a complex server environment, it may be wise to consult a professional IT technician or consultant who specializes in server administration.
Bonus Tip:
To avoid future password reset issues, make a habit of regularly changing the administrator password and storing it securely.
5 FAQs about Resetting Administrator Password on Windows Server 2012 R2
Q1: Can I reset the administrator password without any external tools or software?
A: Yes, you can reset the administrator password on Windows Server 2012 R2 using built-in tools such as Command Prompt or Active Directory Users and Computers.
Q2: Will resetting the administrator password impact other user accounts or data on the server?
A: No, resetting the administrator password will not impact other user accounts or data on the server. It only affects the administrator account used for administrative tasks.
Q3: Are there any risks involved in resetting the administrator password?
A: Resetting the administrator password does not pose any risks to the server or data. However, it’s important to ensure that the new password is secure and not easily guessable.
Q4: Can I reset the administrator password remotely?
A: Yes, you can reset the administrator password remotely if you have administrative privileges on a domain controller and the server is part of an Active Directory domain.
Q5: Are there any alternatives to resetting the administrator password?
A: If resetting the administrator password is not an option or if you’re unable to regain access to the server, you may need to consider reinstalling the operating system or seeking professional help.
Final Thoughts
Resetting the administrator password on Windows Server 2012 R2 is a necessary step when you can’t access your server due to a forgotten password or other reasons. Fortunately, there are multiple methods available to reset the password and regain access.
In this blog post, we discussed four methods: resetting the administrator password via Command Prompt, using the installation disk, utilizing third-party software, and through Active Directory. Each method has its own pros and cons, and it’s important to choose the method that best suits your situation.
If you’re ever in a situation where you can’t reset the administrator password, remember to contact support, consider reinstalling the operating system as a last resort, or seek professional help. By following these steps, you’ll be able to regain access to your Windows Server 2012 R2 and continue managing your server effectively.