Domain Administrator Password Reset

Problem:  Changed and forgotten domain administrator passsword on Windows Server 2008.

Exact IT Solution:  We were able to reset the password using the below procedure:

• Insert the original Windows Server 2008 installation DVD

• Reset the computer, boot from DVD

• Choose option "Repair your computer"

• Start command prompt.

• C:\

• CD C:\Windows\System32

• MOVE Utilman.exe Utilman.exe.bak

• COPY Cmd.exe Utilman.exe

• Restart windows

• At the login screen, type Windows-U, this fires up cmd.exe now

• NET USER administrator
• Login as administrator with new password
• Reset the computer, boot from DVD
• Choose option "Repair your computer"
• Start command prompt.
• C:\
• CD C:\Windows\System32
• MOVE Utilman.exe Utilman.exe.old
• COPY Utilman.exe.bak Utilman.exe
• Reboot
• Login as administrator with new password
• Browse to C:\Windows\System32
• Delete Utilman.exe.old