How to Reset Password on Windows Server 2016?

Forgetting a password can be a frustrating experience, especially when it comes to accessing important files or systems. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to reset your password on Windows Server 2016. Whether you’ve forgotten your password or need to change it for security purposes, this tutorial will help you regain access to your Windows Server quickly and easily.

Step 1: Launch the Windows Server 2016 installation media.

Step 2: Choose the appropriate language settings and click "Next."

Step 3: Click on "Repair your computer" instead of installing Windows.

Step 4: In the next window, select "Troubleshoot" and then "Command Prompt."

Step 5: Once the Command Prompt window opens, type the following command to navigate to the System32 folder: cd Windows\System32

Step 6: Next, use the "ren" command to rename the sethc.exe file to sethc.exe.bak. Enter the following command: ren sethc.exe sethc.exe.bak

Step 7: Finally, use the "copy" command to replace the sethc.exe file with the cmd.exe file. Type the command: copy cmd.exe sethc.exe

ProsCons
1. Simple and effective way to reset a forgotten Windows Server 2016 password.1. Requires access to the Windows Server 2016 installation media.
2. No additional software or third-party tools needed.2. Command line interface may be intimidating for some users.
3. Saves time and effort compared to reinstalling the operating system.3. Should be used responsibly and only on systems for which you have legitimate access.

Remember, resetting a password without proper authorization may violate the terms of use or security policies. Always ensure that you have the necessary permissions or seek appropriate assistance before proceeding.

Video Tutorial:How do I reset my Windows server password if I forgot it?

How to reset your forgotten domain admin password on Server 2012 r2?

Resetting a forgotten domain admin password on Server 2012 R2 requires following several steps. Please note that this answer assumes you have administrative credentials to access the server and perform the necessary actions.

Step 1: Boot the Server in Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM)
1. Restart the server and press F8 multiple times before the Windows logo appears.
2. Select "Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows Server 2012 R2)" from the advanced boot options.

Step 2: Reset the Domain Admin Password
3. Once the server boots in DSRM, log in using the existing local administrator account and its password.
4. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
5. Run the following command: "ntdsutil".
6. When the ntdsutil prompt appears, type "activate instance ntds" and press Enter.
7. Type "reset password on server null" and press Enter.
8. Enter a new password for the domain admin account and confirm it when prompted.
9. Exit the ntdsutil prompt by typing "quit" and pressing Enter.

Step 3: Restart the Server
10. Restart the server by typing "shutdown /r" in the Command Prompt and press Enter.
11. Allow the server to boot normally.

Step 4: Log in with the New Domain Admin Password
12. After the server restarts, log in using the new domain admin password you set in Step 2.
13. It’s essential to change the password from within the server after logging in to ensure password synchronization across all domain controllers.

Note: It is crucial to exercise caution and carry out these steps with proper authorization and with the intent of recovering access to legitimate administrative accounts. These steps should not be used for malicious purposes.

Remember to maintain a secure and regularly updated backup strategy to prevent data loss and use strong, unique passwords for all administrative accounts.

Please consult the official documentation, seek expert advice, or contact Microsoft support for further assistance if you encounter any issues during this process.

What is the default administrator password for Windows Server 2016?

As a tech blogger, I can provide you with information regarding the default administrator password for Windows Server 2016. Here are the steps to set up an administrator password during the installation process:

1. When installing Windows Server 2016, you will come across the initial setup screen.
2. During the setup, you will be prompted to set an administrator password for the system. This is an essential step to ensure the security of the server.
3. It is important to choose a strong password that meets the specified criteria, which typically includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
4. Once you have set the password and completed the installation, you will need to remember it for future administrative purposes.

Please note that the default administrator password for Windows Server 2016 is not a predefined value. It is imperative to set a unique password during the installation process to ensure the security of your server.

Remember to choose a strong and secure password to protect your server from unauthorized access. Additionally, it is good practice to regularly update and change passwords for improved security.

How to unlock administrator account in Windows Server 2016?

To unlock an administrator account in Windows Server 2016, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the server with another administrator account or with an account that has administrative privileges.

2. Press the Windows key + R combination on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

3. Type "dsa.msc" in the Run dialog box and click OK. This will open the Active Directory Users and Computers console.

4. In the left pane of the console, expand the domain and navigate to the Users folder.

5. Locate the administrator account that is locked and right-click on it.

6. Select "Properties" from the context menu to open the Properties dialog box.

7. In the Properties dialog box, go to the "Account" tab.

8. Under the Account tab, uncheck the box next to "Account is locked out" option.

9. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

10. Close the Active Directory Users and Computers console.

Now, the administrator account in Windows Server 2016 should be unlocked and accessible again.

Please note that these steps assume you have the necessary administrative privileges to perform these actions. If you don’t have the required permissions or if the issue persists, it may be necessary to contact the system administrator or IT support for further assistance.

How to reset local admin password Windows Server 2012 r2?

Resetting the local admin password on Windows Server 2012 R2 can be done using several methods. Here are the steps to accomplish this:

1. Method 1: Using Command Prompt at the login screen
a. Restart the Windows Server 2012 R2 machine.
b. When the login screen appears, press the Shift key and click on the Power icon located at the bottom right corner.
c. Select "Restart" from the available options.
d. The server will reboot and provide you with the Advanced Startup Options menu.
e. Select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options."
f. Choose "Command Prompt."
g. Once the Command Prompt opens, run the following command: `net user administrator new_password`. Replace "new_password" with the desired password you want to set.
h. Close the Command Prompt and restart the server. You should now be able to log in with the new admin password.

2. Method 2: Using Windows installation media
a. Insert the Windows Server 2012 R2 installation media into the server.
b. Restart the server and boot from the installation media.
c. On the initial setup screen, select your language preferences and click "Next".
d. Click on "Repair your computer" located at the bottom left corner.
e. Choose "Troubleshoot" and then "Command Prompt."
f. In the Command Prompt, navigate to the system drive where Windows is installed (typically C:).
g. Run the command: `cd Windows\System32`.
h. Execute the command: `ren Utilman.exe Utilman.exe.bak`.
i. Next, enter: `copy cmd.exe Utilman.exe`.
j. Close the Command Prompt and restart the server without the installation media.
k. Once you reach the login screen, click on the "Ease of Access" icon located at the bottom right corner.
l. The Command Prompt will open. Use the following command to reset the local admin password: `net user administrator new_password`. Replace "new_password" with the desired password you want to set.
m. Close the Command Prompt and login with the new admin password.

3. Method 3: Using third-party software
If the above methods don’t work or seem difficult, you can use third-party software designed specifically for resetting Windows passwords. Tools such as "Offline NT Password & Registry Editor" or "Kon-Boot" can be used to reset the local admin password.

It’s important to note that resetting passwords on a system you don’t own or have proper authorization for may violate laws and policies. These methods should only be used on systems where you have legitimate access rights or for recovery purposes.

How to reset forgotten password Windows Server 2012 R2 and Server 2016?

Resetting a forgotten password on Windows Server 2012 R2 and Server 2016 can be a straightforward process if you have the appropriate access and tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you reset a forgotten password on these Windows Server versions:

1. Boot your Windows Server into "Safe Mode." This can usually be done by restarting the server and repeatedly pressing the "F8" key during startup until you see the "Advanced Boot Options" menu.

2. In the "Advanced Boot Options" menu, select "Safe Mode" and press Enter. This will load a minimal version of the Windows operating system with basic system services.

3. Once the login screen appears, select the local administrator account or any other administrative account you have access to.

4. After logging in, press the "Windows key" + "R" on your keyboard to open the "Run" dialog box.

5. In the "Run" dialog box, type "lusrmgr.msc" and press Enter. This will open the "Local Users and Groups" management console.

6. In the "Local Users and Groups" management console, expand the "Users" folder on the left-hand side.

7. Right-click on the user whose password you want to reset and select "Set Password."

8. Follow the on-screen instructions to set a new password for the selected user account. Make sure to choose a strong password that meets the complexity requirements.

9. Restart the Server. You should now be able to log in with the newly set password for the user account you modified.

It’s important to note that these steps require administrative access to the server or appropriate permissions to modify user accounts. If you do not have the necessary credentials or permissions, it’s best to seek assistance from the server administrator or an IT professional who can help you reset the password securely and according to your organization’s policies.