Windows 2003 Server that's a DC - Need to change local admin password

[scotto4837]

I understand that you can't use local logins once a Windows 2003 Server is a Domain Controller. However, we might have a need to run Windows repair on an old one, and no one recalls the local admin password from back then. So, it would seem that this is in fact at least one valid need for using that old admin password on a DC (we tried using the domain admin password and it doesn't work for Windows repair, nor does a blank password).

Is anyone aware if there is a way around this - how to change that old password since the system appears to still know it?

 

[tootiredtocare]

We sometimes have a desktop or old server we've needed to "reset" the admin password on. Go to

http://www.petri.co.il/forgot_administrator_password.htm

You'll find a number of recovery/reset tool there. Hopefully one will solve your problem

 

[AW78]

Had a similar problem recently. Used this linux CD to boot from and change the passwords in windows

http://pogostick.net/~pnh/ntpasswd/

then to change the domain password and check the services etc I followed

http://www.techieshelp.com/how-to-change-the-domain-administrator-password/

Allen White MCSE,MCSA,MCITP,MCTS,CCA,CCSP,VCP

http://techieshelp.com

IT Problems? the fix may be here

 

[goombawaho]

Hmm... Normally "hack my computer password" threads get whacked. Not wanting to help any baddies infiltrate.

 

[strongm]

This microsoft article may be of some use