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Lost password for server

Answered Lost password for server

  • Friday, June 15, 2012 12:43 AM
     
     
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    As administrators to a company that has gone into liquidation we are trying to access their Small Business Server 2003.  We have been unable to obtain the server user & password.

    Initially we just want to power the server off properly to move it, and then bring it back up again in a new location.

    Any suggestions.  The risk is that the power cord is just going to be pulled which is not the best solution.

    Thanks

     

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  • Friday, June 15, 2012 12:56 AM
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    There are a number of "utilities" on the web that will enable you to discover the passwords, but they are best used from a boot CD, not while the system is active.  If you cannot find the admin name and address, don't pull the plug, but instead hold down the power button.  Then before starting it again, read this, among others:

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

    Larry Struckmeyer[SBS-MVP]

     
  • Monday, June 18, 2012 2:56 AM
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    Hi,

    Thank you for the post.

    Agree with Larry's suggestion. Microsoft just provide system password disk to reset password, but the disk must be created before the password lost. Here is Microsoft policy about lost or forgotten passwords KB.
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/189126

    If there are more inquiries on this issue, please feel free to let us know.
     
    Regards

    Rick Tan

    TechNet Community Support

     
  • Monday, June 18, 2012 6:11 AM
     
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    Rick, that's completetely useless in such 'hostile takeover' situation.

    It's a 2 step process(on SBS03):

    You must 1st gain access to the 'local admin' account (DSRM admin). Various 'local account password crack' boot CDs can be used to get this. I prefer Peter Nordhals.

    In DSRM mode you then implement a service that allows, and performs, the Domain Administrator (on SBS03 normally the '500' account) password change.

    Windows 2000 was easier, and so is Windows 2008. You can 'crack' both _without_ going into DSRM. (2003 disabled the screensaver/loginscreen hack, but MS brought it back for 08)

    If you have physical access to the box _it's your box_. 'remote' cracking is a _little_ harder.

    no 'password reset' floppy required.