Dedicated Server: Restore Access

Discover how to regain access to your Windows Dedicated Server after a password lockout and minimize downtime → Learn more now

10 November 20262 min read0 Views0 helpful

Introduction

This can happen quickly... You try to log into your Windows Server, but your password is no longer accepted or you simply forgot it. Suddenly, you are locked out and access to important data and applications is no longer possible. This situation is naturally frustrating, but far from the end. By following the steps described below, you can restore access to your Windows Dedicated Server and continue your work with minimal interruptions.

Preparation

Access is reset via the administrator account by using a Windows ISO file. This is exactly the ISO file that was originally used to install the Windows Server operating system.

This step can be done either through the Initial Setup or via Custom ISO. Select or specify the ISO file that was originally used, depending on which method you use.

Mount the ISO and then restart the system. Afterwards, open the Remote Management tab of your Dedicated Server (see Remote Management) and connect via the HTML5 console to perform the following steps. The Windows installation interface should appear again on the next start. The result should look like this:

Restore Access

Now it’s time to reset access for the administrator account. Follow the first steps of the installation again. However, you only need to proceed up to the start of the installation and then click Repair your computer.

This opens the advanced options. Click on Troubleshoot and then on Command Prompt. This will open the command line (cmd.exe).

Now enter the following commands one after another in the command prompt:

Code

d:
cd Windows
cd System32
move utilman.exe utilman.exe.bak
copy cmd.exe utilman.exe
net user administrator /active:yes
shutdown -r -t 0

Warning

The keyboard layout in the iLO HTML console may differ from your own, so some characters may be on different keys. Please pay close attention to ensure the commands are entered correctly.

After the server restarts, press the key combination Win+U on the login screen. In the command prompt window that opens, please enter:

Code

net user Administrator YourNewPassword
exit

Your password has now been changed. However, you need to undo the changes to the Utilman files. Simply restart your server and repeat the following steps in the command prompt:

Code

d:
cd Windows
cd System32
del utilman.exe
ren utilman.exe.bak utilman.exe
shutdown -r -t 0

Completion

Once you have completed the process, you should have successfully set a new password for the administrator user. You can now log in again via Remote Desktop Connection. If you have any further questions or need assistance, our support team is available daily to help! 🙂

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Mount the same Windows ISO used for the original installation via Initial Setup or Custom ISO, restart the server, and connect through the Remote Management tab using the HTML5 console to reset the administrator password.

The same Windows ISO file that was originally used to install the Windows Server operating system.

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Dedicated Server: Restore Access

Introduction

Preparation

Restore Access

Completion

Frequently asked questions