SQL Server 2005: How to Reset a Forgotten Password for the sa Account

Contributed by shamanstears December 22, 2008  
Tagged: Database

If you’ve forgotten the sa password for your SQL server, you are probably in a panic. Fear not, for you can reset the password and once again have access to the powers of the sa account by using the query window in the Management Studio.

1. Open the SQL Server Management Studio.

2. Open a New Query.

3. Copy, paste, and execute the following:

GO
ALTER LOGIN [sa] WITH DEFAULT_DATABASE=[master]
GO
USE [master]
GO
ALTER LOGIN [sa] WITH PASSWORD=N'NewPassword' MUST_CHANGE
GO

where NewPassword is the password you wish to use for the sa account.

You can now breathe easier, and once again access the sa account. Whew!