Change Window Server Password (Locked Out)

Written By Xylo01

Last updated 1 day ago

Sometimes Windows account's will lock up due to too many failed tries, or you forget your Windows Server password.

You will need some basic knowledge of Linux for this

  • Reboot the vps/server into rescue mode

  • Rescue Mode must be on for the admin password to be changed.

  • Mount the system partition

  • You will need to connect to the server via SSH or use the KVM/ Console

  • Find the drive that Windows is installed on (usually the same size as your storage) you can run the command lsblk to see the list of drives

ntfsfix /dev/sdb2

mount -t ntfs-3g /dev/sdb2 /mnt

  • Clear The Current Pass

  • SAMfile is edited by using a tool in Linux to edit Windows systems

  • Sometimes you need to install chntpw on the system.. apt install chntpw

  • The command below will list all users on the system

chntpw -l /mnt/Windows/System32/config/SAM

  • The next command, you will need to replace USER with the account you'd like to edit

chntpw -u USER /mnt/Windows/System32/config/SAM

  • Type "1" and press Enter. (Make use of option 2 first if there is an "X" next to "Disabled".)

  • Type "q" and press Enter to quit the tool. Type "y" when prompted and press Enter.

Reboot Server

DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP

  • Connect to your server and enter cmd into the search bar to open the Command Prompt.

  • Set the password for the current user ("Administrator"): net user Administrator