How to Recover MS SQL Server Password Manually?

[mohdkaif002]

While there isn't a direct "manual recovery" of a forgotten MS SQL Server password in the sense of simply retrieving the old one (as they are stored as hashes for security), you can manually reset the password using a few methods, provided you have the necessary Windows administrator rights on the server.

Here are the common manual methods to reset an MS SQL Server password:

1. Using Windows Authentication in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):

This method works if your SQL Server is configured for "Mixed Mode" authentication (both Windows and SQL Server authentication) and your current Windows account has administrative privileges on the server.
Steps:
Open SQL Server Management Studio.
In the connection dialog, choose Windows Authentication. You should be able to connect if your Windows account has the necessary permissions.
Once connected, in Object Explorer, expand Security, then Logins.
Right-click on the login name you want to reset (e.g., sa or another user) and select Properties.
In the Login Properties dialog, go to the General page.
In the Password section, enter the new password in the "Password" and "Confirm password" fields.
Click OK.