“Please help!! I do not remember when I used SQL Server 2008 R2. However, due to some emergency, I need the database that saved in it. But when I was trying to connect with the database engine, I forgot the SA Password. Now, I am unable to connect with the SQL Server 2008 R2 database. I would like to know how to recover lost SA password on MS SQL Server 2008 R2 Express.”
Forgetting the Login password is a general problem with the people who are dealing with SQL Server. If you also lost your password and wants to retrieve it, then keep reading this article. Here, we are going to cover SQL Server 2008 R2 Password Recovery and provides the world’s easiest solution for the same.
So, let’s get started!!
How to Reset SA Password in SQL Server 2008 R2 Express – Well Rounded Approaches
In the following segment, we are going to show you three methods to retrieve the SQL Login password. As per choice, you can go with any solution as all are safe and efficient.
Method 1: Use SSMS to Recover Lost SA Password
Step 1: Start your MS SQL Server 2008 R2 and go to the Connect button. And select the Database Engine to login into SQL Server 2008 R2.
Step 2: In Connect to Server window, opt for Windows Authentication instead of SQL Server Authentication. Then, click on Connect to establish a connection with the database.
Step 3: Under the Object Explorer, go to the Logins folder and expand it.
Step 4: Right-click on SA Login and opt for Properties.
Step 5: On the Login Properties window, go to the General option. Go to the Password section and input a new password & confirm it.
Step 6: Now, disconnect the database and reconnect it. But, this time opt for SQL Server Authentication and connect with Login Name and password.
Method 2: Retrieve SA Password in SQL Server 2008 R2 Via Command Prompt
If you become unable to open SQL Server with Windows authentication, then go with the command prompt method. It is easy and fast, but, a single mistake of comma leads to any catastrophic failure.
Step 1: Open CMD in administrator mode.
Step 2: Type osql -L and hit Enter.
Step 3: Afterward, you need to type OSQL – S Servername – E where Servername is replaced by your SQL Server name. Then, hit Enter button.
Step 4: To recover SA password of SQL Server 2008 R2, you need to write the following statement.
EXEC sp_password NULL, ‘new-password’, ‘Login Name’
Step 5: After executing the above command, type Go and hit Enter.
Step 6: Type Exit and press Enter Key.
Method 3: Use MDF Password Recovery to Recover SQL Server SA Password
If both the above manual workaround gets failed, then you can try SysTools SQL Password Recovery Software. An impeccable and efficient software that can reset lost or forgotten password from Login ‘User’ and ‘SA’ password. There is no need of SQL Server Management Studio or Command Prompt in this workaround. All you need to have a ‘master.mdf’ file. The tool will scan it and ask you which account password you want to reset. Select the login to reset its password and provide a new one.
Steps to Reset Lost SA Password of SQL Server 2008 R2
Step 1: Install the SQL Password Recovery software and open it.
Step 2: Browse the MDF file.
Step 3: Select the Login Name from the dashboard.
Step 4: Click on Reset Password and input new password.
That’s all about how to recover SA password on SQL Server 2001 R2 Express. We have discussed all the possible solutions in this article. So, choose wisely!!
