OK, this is the very first time that I've come across this situation: After updating windows 2003 and restarting the server, the admin pass is no longer accepted! I checked the spelling, the keyboard and everything is fine. I even typed it in the user field, just to verify that all the letters are printed fine on the screen but still no luck. I tried using the password reset tools, they find the SAM database, reset the password, but still no luck. Doesn't let me with the blank pass or with the old pass. The only think that seems suspicious is that the hdd is making some strange noise (hope is not hdd failure). The server is configured as domain and that all clients have access to the server. I tried Hiren bootcd and none of the password utilities has managed to reset the pass. I hope that I won't have to built win 2003 server again. Any help will be much appriciated.

Hello, the official Microsoft statement is you have to start new. All other options are to find here: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=reset+domain+admin+passwordBest regards Meinolf Weber Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights.

Hi check this out see this will work http://www.petri.co.il/reset_domain_admin_password_in_windows_server_2003_ad.htm thanksNaeem Bhatti MCITP EA, MCITP, MCTS Exchange 2007 MCSE security,MCSE AD, MCSE in Messaging, MCDST SBS2003 and SBS2008 Specialist

I've already tried the above without any luck. The petri.co.il solution requires admin access, which currently I don't have and it's not possible to gain it back. The terminal computers have winxp installed, I have admin rights from that, the terminals can login to the server and view/edit the user's file. Is it possible to reset the windows 2003 server pass from the terminal?

Yes, possible. http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Forgot+your+Windows+NT%2F2k%2FXP%2FVista%2FWin7+admin+password%3F Regards, Dave Patrick .... Microsoft Certified Professional -Microsoft MVP [Windows]

That's interesting, but after doing the GOOGLE search, tried all possible solutions, still nothing. I tried all the available boot able utilities and still nothing. However, the three client WINXP PRO computers that are connected to the server, can see their shared files etc. Is there a way to reset the Windows 2003 admin password from the client computer? All the users on the client computers have admin rights.

Ive never had the nordahl linux boot disk fail me. Yes anyone who is a member of local administrators group on server can set/reset it. Regards, Dave Patrick .... Microsoft Certified Professional -Microsoft MVP [Windows]