Know How to Reset SQL Password for SA Users

Cannot access SQL Server SA account? This technical write-up covers how to reset SQL password for SA users, with the help of manual and automated solutions. But first, let’s take a look at the common reasons why a user needs to reset SA password in SQL Server.

Why is it Required to Reset SQL Server SA Password?

Before proceeding with the methods on how to reset SQL password for SA users, here are some of the reasons that require users to reset the default SA password:

• To secure the database from any security risks and unauthorized access, users are required to secure the database by resetting the password. 
• When the SQL Server accounts are set up, they use the default SA password, which is easier to guess. To secure the database and set a stronger password, users are required to set a stronger password. 
• Users also reset SQL SA password to comply with compliance regulations and maintain audits. 
• When a database administrator or an employee leaves, it is required for the users to reset the passwords to secure the database from any threats or leaks. 

These are a few reasons that require the reset SQL SA password process and further create challenges, in case a user doesn’t update the passwords accordingly. Now, let’s take a look at the challenges a user might encounter during the SA password reset and then proceed with how to reset SQL password for SA methods. 

How to Reset SQL Password for SA with SSMS? Steps Explained

The very first method, as we said, is the SSMS method to reset sysadmin user password in SQL. Here, we are going to discuss the method involving SQL Server Management Studio to update the default SA password that requires no commands for execution.

Prerequisites – Make sure that Windows Authentication is enabled on your system to execute this method to reset SA password in SQL Server.

Then, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Open SSMS and Select Windows Authentication to continue with how to reset SQL password for SA.

Step 2. Hit the Connect button that leads to the server dashboard.

Step 3. Double-click on Server Account Name Folder > Go to Security > Logins option.

Step 4. Now, simply right-click on the SA & from the list, click on the Properties option.

Step 5. Now, the system administrator properties will open up to proceed with reset SQL password for SA.

Step 6. Reset SQL Account Password using available options, and then click the OK button.

Now, in case users are not able to connect to SSMS to update a forgotten or lost SA password due to any sort of issues, they need to drop this method. Instead, they have to use the command-line method that uses SQL-compatible transcript files to reset SQL SA password.

How to Reset SQL Password for SA Users With Scripts?

Here, we are at the transcript method. However, before we start, we need to make it very clear that this method is not very efficient. This is because plenty of users reported data loss and severe corruption due to incorrect commands to reset SQL Server SA password & heavy confusion. We advise users to follow these commands very carefully to avoid any negative effects on the server. To execute this method, users must have Windows authentication enabled. Run the query below:

GO
ALTER LOGIN [sa] WITH DEFAULT_DATABASE=[master]
GO
USE [master]
GO
ALTER LOGIN [sa] WITH PASSWORD=N’NewPassword’ MUST_CHANGE
GO

In place of NewPassword, simply write the new passwords that users need to reset. Then, try to log in to the SQL Server with these new credentials. If it opens, you’re done. If not, then repeat the steps on how to reset SQL password for SA. This is the way to know how to change SQL password for SA users using the commands. Then simply move ahead. In case users don’t have SQL authentication, then they have to follow the below-mentioned solution using the Command Prompt to reset SQL SA password.

1. Go to Start & Search for Command Prompt.
2. Also, launch it with administrative access.
3. Now, Type osql -L & Press the Enter key to proceed.
4. Type OSQL -S server -E and run this with the Enter key.
5. Write the command EXEC sp_password NULL, ‘password’, ’sa’.
6. Now Press Enter & then write the New Password that users try to keep.
7. Write GO and then press Enter. After that, type Exit & again Press Enter.
8. Log in with the new password to check if the new password is working or not.

Also Read: How to Recover SQL PAssword with Ease

How to Reset SQL Password for SA Using the Automated Utility? 

In many cases, the manual approach to reset SQL password for SA users is not favourable, or they find it very complex and risky. However, it is always suggested to choose a dedicated solution that is trusted by MVPs as well. The SysTools SQL Password Recovery Tool is one of the optimal choices for resetting SQL SA passwords. This utility has been performing outstandingly for the last decade.

The tool has many notable capabilities, and one of the features is that users can easily figure out how to reset SQL Server password for SA users without needing SQL Server environment. Just follow the simple steps to proceed with the reset SQL Server SA password process.

Step 1. Launch the software to proceed with how to reset SQL password for SA. Step 2. Browse and select the MDF file from the system that has all the information. Step 3. Preview the Login Details of Users as shown in the image without any errors. Step 4. Reset the password and click the OK button to finish the how to reset SQL password for SA process. Now that we have learned almost all the solutions, it’s time to end the article. However, there are still a few topics here. Topics like the tips to make the process more smooth & easier, Conclusion & last but not least, the frequently asked questions from the users.

Also Read: How to Change SQL Server Password for SA & User Login Without Any Fail?

Conclusion

Finally, after discussing all the crucial aspects here, we hope users know how to reset SQL password for SA users and other users as well. Whether it be SA Users or individual database analysts, the advanced tool is more favourable. Otherwise, users are free to select any of the preferred solutions mentioned above based on their requirements.

Also Read: How to Delete A User in SQL Server Database?

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