forgot sa password?

Question

I forgot the sa password -what can I do? I tried logging in as windows authentication (local admin) but I can't change the password for sa. I tried unticking requires password (something like that in SA account properties) but got access denied 

is there anything else I can try or do I have to reinstall sql server? 

Answer 1

Hello,

In which mode is the SQL Server running, in "Windows auth only" or in Mixed Mode = "Window + SQL Account Auth"?

By default SQL Server is installed with "Windows onyl" mode, so you can't logon with a SQL Account.

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Olaf Helper
* cogito ergo sum * errare humanum est * quote erat demonstrandum *
Wenn ich denke, ist das ein Fehler und das beweise ich täglich
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Answer 2

I tried this method:

http://v-consult.be/2011/05/26/recover-sa-password-microsoft-sql-server-2008-r2/

but it doesn't work - the recovery user doesn't seem to exist, but when I go to create it again, it says it already exists :S I can't login using recovery no idea what's wrong 

edit: didn't see your post - how can I check this? 

Answer 3

It's running in windows authentication mode - but I can't create a new database or edit any settings using my username 

Answer 4

Hi,

Did you start SSMS with elevated privileges? 

Janos

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Answer 5

Then you (your account) don't have the permissions to do it.

See TechNet Connect to SQL Server When System Administrators Are Locked Out how to fix it.

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Olaf Helper
* cogito ergo sum * errare humanum est * quote erat demonstrandum *
Wenn ich denke, ist das ein Fehler und das beweise ich täglich
Blog Xing

Answer 6

I have just tried that and I still can't create a database

CREATE DATABASE permission denied in database 'master' sql server error 262

Answer 7

how can I check which account has permission?

Answer 8

start the SQL Server in Single User mode by changing the Start UP Parameters,

Step1:Check that you have admin access to the server

Step2:Stop all the SQL Server Services

Step3:Start the SQL Server in  single user mode ,-m in the server  Startup Paramates.

Step4:Try to access the SQL Server in SQLCMD mode.

now open SSMS and concect to the Server then reset the password

,please dont forget to make changes in the start up parameters to -d

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Ramesh Babu Vavilla MCTS,MSBI