Forgot SQL Server “SA” password? Don’t Worry

Posted byRamasankarPosted inUncategorized

Hi Rama,

Need your help. I forgot the “SA” password and I am unable to access to SQL Server via windows/sql authentication.  Is there any way we can recover the “SA” account?

Hello Vamshi,

Yes, we can as long as you are able to RDP and you are a built in administrator to your windows box.

Thanks Rama, I am an admin to the windows box, I am able to RDP to the server. Could you guide me how to recover the “SA” account?

Yes Vamshi. Sure. Here is the way you can do that. Please follow the below steps to reset the “SA” account.

  • Log on to window box and make sure the built in administrator enabled

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  • Go to SQL Server Configuration Manager and add the -m parameter to run the SQL Server in single user mode as show in below screenshot

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  • Re-start the SQL Server

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  • Now logon to SQL Server with builtin administrator as below

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  •  Here you go, you are able to connect to SQL Server. Now change the “SA” account password

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  • After that remove the -m parameter from SQL Server configuration manager and restart the sql server

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  • Connect SQL Server  with  new “SA” password. There you go!

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Hope you enjoyed the post!

Cheers

Ramasankar Molleti

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Published by Ramasankar

As a Principal Cloud Architect with over 18 years of experience, I am dedicated to revolutionizing IT landscapes through cutting-edge cloud solutions. My expertise spans Cloud Architecture, Security Architecture, Solution Design, Cloud Migration, Database Transformation, Development, and Big Data Analytics.Currently, I spearhead cloud initiatives with a focus on Infrastructure, Containerization, Security, Big Data, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. I collaborate closely with development teams to architect, build, and manage robust cloud ecosystems that drive business growth and technological advancement.Core Competencies: • Cloud Platforms: AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure • Technologies: Kubernetes, Serverless Computing, Microservices • Databases: MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MongoDB, Amazon Redshift, DynamoDB, Aurora • Industries: Finance, Retail, Manufacturing. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with industry leaders such as OCC, Gate Gourmet, Walgreens, and Johnson Controls, gaining invaluable insights across diverse sectors.As a lifelong learner and knowledge sharer, I take pride in being the first in my organization to complete all major AWS certifications. I am passionate about mentoring and guiding fellow professionals in their cloud journey, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.Let’s connect and explore how we can leverage cloud technologies to transform your business: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramasankar-molleti-23b13218/ • Book a mentorship session: [1:1] Together, let’s architect the future of cloud computing and drive technological excellence. Disclaimer The views expressed on this website/blog are mine alone and do not reflect the views of my company. All postings on this blog are provided “AS IS” with no warranties, and confers no rights. The owner of https://ramasankarmolleti.com will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

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