Steps to Reset SQL Server Password

Steps given below let you how to unlock SQL Server Password of System Administrator and Individual User Account
Using SysTools SQL Password Recovery Software

Pre-Requisites

STEP 1

Go to Start menu » All Programs » SysTools SQL Password Recovery Software. The following screen will appear on screen:

sql password recovery

Note : SQL Password Recovery Tool reset SQL Server SA password of 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 / 2008 R2, 2005, 2000

STEP 2

Click on Browse option provided to "Select (master.mdf) file" and load the desired MDF file.

browse mdf file

STEP 3

Locate and select the MDF file. Click on Open to load the file.

open master mdf file

STEP 4

Afterward, 'Scanning completed Successfully' screen will appear on the software interface. To proceed further, click on OK button.

scan complete

STEP 5

The tool will list all the users that were created in SQL Server. The Password column carries two values as

Unknown :- It means you have a password applied on an encrypted database.
Empty :- It means you do not have a password for the user name and you can log into the account without a password.

Select the user whose password you want to reset and click on Reset Password.

reset sql password

Caution: Before proceeding further it is highly recommended to take a backup of your Master.mdf and Master_log.ldf files as the tool will make changes to the Master database in the next step.

STEP 6

The tool will prompt you to take back up the Master.mdf and master.ldf files before continuing. Click on OK

alert message

STEP 7

Once you click on Reset Password the 'Password Settings' screen will appear on your screen which allow you to set new password. Type new password, confirm it and Click OK.

password reset

STEP 8

Your password has been reset successfully.

reset sql sa password

STEP 9

Now log in to SQL Server with new password.

reset sql server password

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