interview question and answer

October 3, 2012

how to reset domain admin password on a Windows Server 2008

I did not use my tests Virtual Machines for some times just after installing them....I forgot the domain admin password :'(
I found a hack for Vista, that i reused for my Windows Server 2008 Domain controller !
I just pushed it a litlle further by only using the official Windows Server 2008 DVD from Microsoft instead of backtrack :)

For people in hurry, here are the steps:

  • Boot onto DVD of Windows Server 2008
  • Choose “Repair your computer”
  • Launch cmd
  • Go to c:\windows\system32
  • Rename Utilman.exe to Utilman.exe.bak
  • Copy cmd.exe to Utilman.exe
  • Reboot on Windows
  • Do the keyboard shortcut Windows + U when on the logon screen
  • net user administrator Newpass123 inside the cmd
  • log on with the domain admin account and this new pass
  • change the password to remember it if needed
  • Reboot on the DVD to put back the original Utilman.exe

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