How to Reset Server 2003 Administrator Password?

Resetting Server 2003 Administrator Password

Resetting the administrator password on a Server 2003 system can be a challenging yet necessary task. Here are the steps to help you reset the password:

1. Insert the Windows Server 2003 installation CD into the server and boot from it.
2. When the setup screen appears, press 'R' to enter the Recovery Console.
3. Choose the Windows installation you want to log into by typing the number associated with it and hitting Enter.
4. Enter the administrator password when prompted. If you don't have the password, leave it blank and press Enter.
5. Type 'cd system32' and press Enter, followed by 'copy cmd.exe cmd2.exe' and Enter to make a backup copy of the command prompt.
6. Type 'copy logon.scr cmd.exe' and press Enter to replace the command prompt with the screen saver executable.
7. Reboot the server by typing 'exit' and pressing Enter.
8. When the server reboots, click on the Ease of Access icon in the bottom left corner and choose Command Prompt, which will now open as the system administrator.
9. Enter 'net user administrator *' and press Enter to create a new password for the administrator account.
10. Restart the server and log in with the new password.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset the administrator password on your Server 2003 system.