Login into SQL Server using Windows Authentication.
In Object Explorer, open Security folder, open Logins folder. Right Click on SA account and go to Properties.
Change SA password, and confirm it. Click OK.
Make sure to restart the SQL Server and all its services and test new password by log into system using SA login and new password.
Reference : Pinal Dave (https://darkslategrey-bat-805937.hostingersite.com)
UPDATE : There has been discussion about restarting the SQL Server and all its services. Please read all of them before making final decision for your scenario.
262 Comments. Leave new
Hello,
How do I restrict everyone including “SA” from accessing my database which I have created using a new login?
Hi All,Need help on accessing my db. Currently im using SQL Login – ‘sa’ and Windows Authentication Login to maintain my db. All this while im just login the server using the windows Authentication and totally forgot the SQL login – ‘sa’ password. FYI, the windows id were created using AD and recently we have a issue where the AD itself corrupted and could not be restore. We have to recreate the Windows login ID but unfortunately, SQL server could not recognize the same Window login ID. I try to login using SQL login – ‘sa’ but unable to do that because of wrong password (totally forgot it). Please help me to reset the ‘sa’ password.
The method u mentioned can only be used if you have a valid Windows Authentication. Please help.
thanks my friend!!!
Greetings from Colombia!!
Dear pinal DAve,
Thank you for helping me…
thanks for wonderfull information……………..
Hilal Uddin
Hi Dave,
I followed your instructions above. but it seems like is not working on my end.
Please Help.
Got this Error Message after using the new Password
Login failed for user ‘sa’. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error : 18456)
Thanks,
Hi Dave,
Im using SQL server 2008 R2 and Windows 2008R2 server i would like to change both passwords.Is there SQL server 2008 R2 linked with Domine if linked it raise any error.this is live operation
Hi All,
Please me on below issue!!!!!!!!!
I am using SQL Server 2008 R2 and Windows server 2008R2. My SQL Server Authentication setting is Mixed Mode there is windows login disabled and SA password also forgot.
Is there any way to reset SA password please reveal me ?
Appreciate the reply.
Regards,
Rajendiran
Dear Sir,
Follow The pinaldave Article->
SQL SERVER – Change Password of SA Login Using Management Studio
You can sure reset SA password.
Regards,
Shashikant
This was very useful Pinal. Thanks! In addition, sometimes the SA login is disabled by default in certain server installations. So, after changing password, I also had to go and explicitly enable this login
Sir, namskar , when I try for log in through ‘sa’ password= ‘sh’
my sql server 2008 not login and show the following message
‘Login fail for user ‘sa’ Reason: The account is Disable (Microsoft Sql Server Error : 18470)
I unable to change the password, its always fire a error message : Alert failed to Login ‘sa’ (Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo)
Now I change the password after check the check box but unable to login with ‘sa’ usrname.
ur suggestion required
I am using sql server 2008 R2. I changed the password as mentioned in the article. I am getting below error when I am trying to login using sa and new password.
TITLE: Connect to Server
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Cannot connect to ServernameInstancename
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
A connection was successfully established with the server, but then an error occurred during the login process. (provider: Shared Memory Provider, error: 0 – No process is on the other end of the pipe.) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 233)
For help, click:
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BUTTONS:
OK
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I am using sql server 2012
How do I change password on Cracker sa
Hi Pinal, does sql 2k have an audit logs for every change of password? Thanks in advance
Thanks…Good Tut.
i am getting error that can not alter sa pawword
can not set the principal for creditial ‘sa’
i have also try to stop sql service but it is not showing any sql service running in congigration manager.insted of service it is showing error” remote procedure call failed”
Dear Pinal,
I follow the same process but getting below mention error kindly me asap , i done on my very important Db. I restart the services after that i m getting error
TITLE: Connect to Server
——————————
Cannot connect to SID-PCSQLEXPRESS.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 – Error Locating Server/Instance Specified) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: -1)
For help, click:
This is not help full for me I want without Open sql login window Show my password