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16 November 2023  Jennifer Thatcher  Technology Manager of Test Dept.
 

Summary
Forgot your Windows Server 2012 password? Don't worry - we've got you covered. This article offers a comprehensive guide on how to reset your local and domain account passwords on Windows Server 2012, providing multiple efficient methods for a seamless recovery process.



Table of contents

table iconResetting Local Account Passwords
table iconResetting Domain Account Passwords
table iconBest Practices for Password Management on Windows Server 2012
table iconConclusion
In this digital age where data security is of utmost importance, the need for strong and secure passwords is crucial. However, with the increasing number of accounts and devices we use in our daily lives, it can be easy to forget or lose track of our passwords. This is where the Windows Server 2012 password reset comes in. In this chapter, we will discuss one of the methods for resetting local account passwords using a powerful tool called Ophcrack. So, let’s dive in and learn how to regain access to your Windows Server 2012 account in case of a forgotten password.

Resetting Local Account Passwords

Method 1: Using Ophcrack

Ophcrack is a free and open-source tool that can help you reset your Windows Server 2012 password by cracking your password hash. This method is only applicable for local account passwords and will not work for Microsoft accounts or domain account. Using Ophcrack requires a bit of technical knowledge and may take some time, but it is still a useful option for resetting your password.
Step 1: Download and Install Ophcrack
The first step is to download and install Ophcrack on a separate computer that you can access. You can choose the appropriate version for your computer’s operating system from the official website.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Next, launch Ophcrack and insert a blank USB flash drive or CD/DVD into the computer. Select the option to create a bootable media and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Step 3: Boot from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable media into the locked Windows Server computer and restart it. Press the appropriate key (usually F2 or DEL) to enter the BIOS settings and configure the boot order to prioritize the bootable media. The key used to enter the BIOS may vary depending on the server type, so refer to the table below for common server and BIOS names.
Step 4: Run Ophcrack
Once the server has booted from the bootable media, Ophcrack will start automatically. Wait for it to load and then select the appropriate option to start the password cracking process. This may take some time depending on the complexity of the password.
Step 5: Retrieve Your Password
Once Ophcrack has successfully cracked your password, it will display your password hash on the screen. You can then use this hash to retrieve your password. However, this method may not work for strong and complex passwords.
If you are unable to reset your Windows Server 2012 password using Ophcrack, you can try the alternative method of using Renee PassNow, which will be discussed in the next chapter.
Summary
Using Ophcrack is a free and effective method of resetting your local account password on Windows Server 2012. However, it may not work for strong and complex passwords. It also requires technical knowledge and may take some time to complete. If this method does not work for you, you can try the alternative method of using Renee PassNow, which will be discussed in the next chapter.

Method 2: Using Renee PassNow

Forgetting your Windows Server 2012 login password can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially if you need to access important files or applications. Luckily, there are several methods available to reset a local account password and regain access to your server. In this chapter, we will cover Method 2: Using Renee PassNow.
Tips:If your account is Microsoft Account, Renee PassNow will convert this account to Local account. After resetting login password, you need to connect your account to your Microsoft Account again.
To reset your Windows password using Renee PassNow, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Install Renee PassNow
Start by downloading Renee PassNow from the official website and install it on a different computer that you can access. You can choose the appropriate version based on your computer’s operating system.
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Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD into the computer. Select the option to create a bootable media. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Create New Windows 10 Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow
Step 3: Boot the Locked Server from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked Windows computer. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 or Delete). Configure the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.
Common Server:
Server TypeEnter boot menu method
DELLPress the F12 key repeatedly before the Dell logo appears on the screen.
HPPress the F9 key multiple times when the HP logo is displayed.
Common Computers:
BIOS NameEnter boot menu method
ASRockDEL or F2
ASUSDEL or F2 for PCs/ DEL or F2 for Motherboards
AcerDEL or F2
DellF12 or F2
ECSDEL
Gigabyte / AorusDEL or F2
Lenovo (Consumer Laptops)F2 or Fn + F2
Lenovo (Desktops)F1
Lenovo (ThinkPads)Enter then F1
MSIDEL
Microsoft Surface TabletsPress and hold Power and Volume Up buttons
Origin PCF2
SamsungF2
ToshibaF2
ZotacDEL
HPEsc/ F9 for `Boot Menu`/ Esc/ F10/ Storage tab/ Boot Order/ Legacy Boot Sources
INTELF10
windows server 2012 password reset
Step 4: Select password reset function
After successfully booting from the bootable media, Renee PassNow will load. Select “PassNow!” function after booting from the new created Windows password reset disk.
After loading into main interface, please select the “PassNow!” function.
Step 5: Resetting the Password
Choose the user account for which you want to reset the password. Then, click on the “Clear Password” button. Renee PassNow will remove or reset the password for the selected user account.
Select target Windows system in the list
Select target user account in the list
Step 6: Reboot the PC
Once the password is reset, remove the bootable media from the PC and restart the computer. You will now be able to log in to Windows Account without a password.

Resetting Domain Account Passwords

Method 1: Using Renee PassNow to Create a New Local Admin Account on Windows server 2012

If a Windows Server 2012 domain account password is forgotten and you do not have the domain administrator account, one practical solution is to create a new administrator account using Renee PassNow, a capable password reset tool. This method not only regains server access but also sidesteps the need to remember the old password, which can be crucial for maintaining uninterrupted server management.
Step 1: Download and Install Renee PassNow
Start by downloading Renee PassNow from the official website and install it on a different computer that you can access. You can choose the appropriate version based on your computer’s operating system.
Renee PassNow – Professional Windows System Rescue Tool

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.

Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.

Fix Windows startup error Fix various Windows startup failures or crashes.

Erase disk Completely erase disk files which will not be restored.

Remove Windows Login Password 3 steps for whole password remove process.

Recover the files Recover the deleted files without Windows system.

Transfer the data Transfer the important files of the computer with system.

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or CD/DVD
Launch Renee PassNow and insert a USB flash drive or blank CD/DVD into the computer. Select the option to create a bootable media. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Create New Windows 10 Password Reset Disk with Renee PassNow
Step 3: Boot the Locked Server from the Bootable Media
Insert the bootable USB or CD/DVD into the locked Windows computer. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 or Delete). Configure the boot order to prioritize the bootable media.
Step 4: Select password reset function
After successfully booting from the bootable media, Renee PassNow will load. Select “PassNow!” function after booting from the new created Windows password reset disk.
After loading into main interface, please select the “PassNow!” function.
Step 5: Resetting the Password
Choose the user account for which you want to reset the password. Then, click on the “Clear Password” button. Renee PassNow will remove or reset the password for the selected user account.
Select target Windows system in the list
Select target user account in the list
Step 6: Click on “Create new account” to establish a new administrator profile, bypassing the need to deal with the forgotten password. This new account typically arrives with a preset username and password, such as “Reneelab” and “123456789“, respectively.
Step 7: Remove the bootable media and restart the server. You should now be able to log in using the newly created administrator account and carry out any necessary actions, including changing other account passwords or updating system configurations.
To summarize the chapter, Renee PassNow is a valuable tool for recovering access to a locked Windows Server 2012. It proposes a solution for creating a new account rapidly, which is particularly useful for situations where password recovery is not feasible.

Method 2: Resetting with Windows PowerShell

Having previously explored various methods for resetting local account passwords, we now turn our attention to domain accounts. Resetting passwords for domain users can be efficiently carried out using Windows PowerShell, a powerful scripting environment that is standard with modern versions of Windows.
Step 1: Launch Windows PowerShell with administrative privileges. To do this, right-click on the PowerShell icon and choose Run as administrator.
Step 2: Load the Active Directory module using the command:

Import-Module ActiveDirectory

, which is essential to access the AD-specific cmdlets.
Step 3: For resetting a single user’s password, utilize the Set-ADAccountPassword cmdlet. For instance, to reset user jliebert“s password, run the command:

Set-ADAccountPassword -Identity jliebert -Reset -NewPassword (ConvertTo-SecureString -AsPlainText "newpassword" -Force) -Verbose

, where “newpassword” should be the desired strong password conforming to your domain’s policy.
Step 4: To address a situation where many passwords need resetting, you can automate the process using a script. Create a .ps1 file; for example, name it bulk_reset.ps1 and save it in the C:\PS directory.
Step 5: Open bulk_reset.ps1 with PowerShell ISE or another code editor. Formulate the script by considering the high-level steps identified earlier: importing the module, reading user identities from a file, generating random passwords, resetting passwords, and requiring password change at next logon.
Step 6: Paste the following code template into your script file, adjusting the file path for the user list:

Import-Module ActiveDirectory

$userList = Get-Content "C:\Path\To\UserList.txt"

foreach ($user in $userList) {

$newPassword = [char[]](Get-Random -Count 5 -Minimum 33 -Maximum 126) -join ""

$securePassword = $newPassword | ConvertTo-SecureString -AsPlainText -Force

Set-ADAccountPassword -Identity $user -Reset -NewPassword $securePassword

Set-ADUser -Identity $user -ChangePasswordAtLogon $true

Write-Output "User: $user – New Password: $newPassword"

}

Step 7: Execute the script by running its full path in PowerShell:

& "C:\PS\bulk_reset.ps1"

Step 8: Verify the reset by checking if the last password change corresponds to the time of the script’s execution.
This PowerShell approach to resetting domain account passwords harnesses scripting for efficiency, especially when dealing with multiple user accounts. It provides an audit trail, aligns with security policies, and can accomplish complex tasks in a structured manner. However, scripting requires a grasp of PowerShell syntax and a cautious approach, particularly when handling passwords to prevent potential breaches. Always ensure passwords are complex and generated in line with your organization’s password policy. Also, remember to distribute the new passwords securely and instruct users on creating their new personal passwords upon the next login.
Resetting Domain Account Passwords - Method 2: Resetting with Windows PowerShell

Method 3: Resetting with Active Directory Users and Computers

Resetting a domain account password can be done in multiple ways. In this chapter, we will discuss the third method: resetting with Active Directory Users and Computers. This method is useful when you have privileges to access the Active Directory on your Windows Server 2012.
Step 1: Log in to your Windows Server 2012 using a domain administrator account. Open ‘Active Directory Users and Computers’ from the Start menu.
Open ‘Active Directory Users and Computers’ to reset domain password
Step 2: In the Active Directory Users and Computers window, navigate to ‘Users’ and find the account whose password you want to reset. Right-click on the account and select ‘Reset Password’.
Step 3: Type in the new password for the account in the ‘New password’ and ‘Confirm password’ fields. Make sure to use a strong password that meets the password policy requirements. Click ‘OK’.
Step 4: The new password will now be applied to the user’s account. Make sure to inform the user about the password change so they can log in with the new password.
It is important to note that this method can only be used if you have access to the Active Directory on your Windows Server 2012. If you do not have access, you can try other methods such as resetting with Windows PowerShell or using a password recovery disk.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantage of resetting an account password with Active Directory Users and Computers is that it can be done quickly and easily if you have access to the Active Directory. It also ensures that the password is reset following the password policy requirements.
However, the disadvantage is that it requires access to the Active Directory, which may not always be available. This method also cannot be used if you have forgotten the password for your administrator account.
In summary, resetting a domain account password with Active Directory Users and Computers is a convenient option if you have access to the Active Directory. However, if you do not have access, you can try other methods or use best practices for password management on Windows Server 2012.

Best Practices for Password Management on Windows Server 2012

When it comes to managing passwords on Windows Server 2012, it is important to follow best practices to ensure the security and integrity of your system. In this chapter, we will discuss some of the best practices for password management on Windows Server 2012.
Regularly Change Passwords and use Passsword Manager
One of the most important steps in password management is to regularly change passwords. This helps to prevent unauthorized access to your system and ensures that any compromised passwords are not used for an extended period of time.
It is recommended to change passwords at least every 90 days, but more frequency is always better. This applies to all user accounts, including the administrator account.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication
In addition to strong passwords, it is recommended to implement multi-factor authentication for added security. This requires users to enter a second form of authentication, such as a security code sent to their phone, in order to access the system.
This added layer of security can greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.
Limit Password Reuse
To further strengthen password security, it is recommended to limit password reuse. This means that users cannot reuse their previous passwords when changing their password.
This helps to prevent users from simply cycling through old passwords when they are required to change them, and encourages them to create stronger and more unique passwords.
Avoid Storing Passwords in Plain Text
Storing passwords in plain text is a major security risk. If a hacker gains access to your system, they can easily view all of your passwords and potentially gain access to all of your accounts.
Instead, it is recommended to use a secure password manager that encrypts passwords and requires a master password for access. This way, even if your system is compromised, your passwords will remain safe.
Train Users on Password Security
Lastly, it is important to train all users on password security best practices. This includes educating them on the importance of strong passwords, the risks of password reuse, and how to recognize potential phishing attempts.
Regularly reminding users to follow these best practices can greatly improve the overall security of your system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, resetting local and domain account passwords are essential skills for any Windows Server 2012 administrator. By utilizing various methods such as Ophcrack, Renee PassNow, and pre-created password reset disks, you can easily regain access to locked accounts and prevent data loss. Active Directory Users and Computers and Windows PowerShell also offer effective solutions for resetting domain account passwords. However, it is important to follow best practices for password management to ensure the security and integrity of your server. These include regularly changing passwords, using strong and unique passwords, and limiting access to password reset tools. With these techniques, you can confidently manage and reset passwords on your Windows Server 2012 system. Remember to always prioritize the security of your server by staying up-to-date with the latest password management strategies and tools.