How to reset Windows Administrator password
Learn how to reset the Administrator password for a Windows Server. This step-by-step guide includes Starting the Windows Installer, activating VNC access, loading the Virtio driver, accessing the command prompt, and resetting the password.
This guide describes a common method to regain access to a Windows Server OS (used in scenarios when the password for an administrator account is forgotten or lost), without reinstalling the whole operating system or losing any data.
Access the VPS Management Portal
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Login to your VPS Management Portal
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Locate your VPS from the Services tab
Mount Password Reset Helper Image and Boot
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Click Mount ISO
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In the drop-down list choose image: 1_Password-Reset-Helper.iso
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Check the box force reset & boot from the selected ISO then click on the Mount ISO button
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Finish mount by clicking “Mount ISO”
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Open the noVNC or connect by VNC client
Launch noVNC
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Click “Launch noVNC” to see console output
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Click into the noVNC browser window to set focus
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ISO will be loaded automatically, when It loaded you can see this notification:
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Press Enter
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Select -> 1 and press Enter:
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Select -> q and press Enter:
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Select -> y and press Enter:
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Accept the changes made by pressing Enter:
Unmount the ISO
Once the password is reset, make sure to unmount the ISO (Sysrescue CD) image. This can be done in the KVM management portal.
Reboot and Test
After rebooting, Windows will automatically log in to the Administrator account without requesting a password. You must set a new password by opening the CMD (Command Prompt) with administrative rights:
In the terminal window that opens, run the command:
Where:
- Administrator
is the Administrator account in Windows that has full system control -newstrongpassword
is a new password.
Disable VNC access
Now close the noVNC(a tab window) and disable VNC access in the KVM management portal.
🎉 Congratulations!
You’ve successfully updated your Windows Administrator password. Now, try logging into the server with your new credentials. This is crucial to ensure that the password change took effect and that you have regained access to your server. Happy computing! :)
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