Windows Server: How to Reset Local Accounts

Needed build a testing platform using the Windows Servers 2022 (Virtual Machines) from the production environment. When attempting to run the re-configuration with offline, to ensure the testing platform was isolated, had to log in using the local accounts. Unfortunately, the recorded password for the local accounts didn’t work.

As a result, required to reset the local Administrator account to regain access and proceed with the setup.

How-to

1. Boot with the Windows Server Installation DVD

2. Select "Troubleshoot" -> "Command Prompt"

3. Replace utilman.exe with cmd.exe

C:\ move d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak 

C:\ copy d:\windows\system32\cmd.exe d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe

• utilman.exe is the executable for the Ease of Access feature, accessible from the login screen.
• By replacing it with cmd.exe, you can run a command prompt with SYSTEM privileges directly from the login screen.

4. Restart the Windows Server

5. Use the Modified utilman.exe to Open Command Prompt

• On the login screen, click the Ease of Access button (bottom-right corner).
• This will open a command prompt with SYSTEM privileges because you replaced utilman.exe with cmd.exe.
• Run the following command to reset the Administrator password:
  
  
  C:\ net user Administrator *
  
  
  

6. Restore the Original utilman.exe

C:\ copy c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe.bak c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe

• This step is valid and highly recommended to restore the original Ease of Access functionality and prevent a potential security risk.

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