How to recover a lost "sa" account in SQL Server

Summary

If all the administrative access to the local SQL Server is lost, it is possible to put the server into a Single-User Mode and give administrative access to all local administrator accounts.

Then, use SQLCMD to set a new password for the "sa" account before restoring normal operation.

Solution

1. Stop all programs and services connected to the SQL server.
2.  Open a command prompt as administrator on the system running the SQL server and enter the following commands:

• • net stop MSSQLSERVER
    This will stop the SQL Server service
    
    
  • net start MSSQLSERVER /m /f
    This will start the SQL Server in minimal configuration mode and limit connections to a single connection. It also gives the local administrator access to the server.
    
  • sp_password @new = 'skf', loginame = 'sa'
    Change the password for the user "sa" to "skf".
    
    
  • go
    Apply the changes
    
    
  • exit
    Exit SQLCMD
    
    
  • net stop MSSQLSERVER
    Stop the server running with the m and f flags.
    
    
  • net start MSSQLSERVER
    Start the SQL Server normally.

Now you can log in as sa with the password skf.
It is recommended to change the password to a secure password.

 

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