» SQL Server » How to Reset Forgotten SA Password in SQL Server 2008 R2 
After encountering SQL Server 2008 R2 authentication issues due to a forgotten SA password, I've compiled two proven methods to recover SA credentials for database access restoration.
Step 1: Launch SQL Server Management Studio and select Windows Authentication to establish a secure server connection.
Step 2: Navigate through Security > Logins directory. Right-click the SA account and choose Properties for credential modification.
Step 3: In the authentication panel, remove the obsolete password and implement a new secure passphrase. Confirm changes to complete the SA credential update process.
When locked out of both SA account and Windows Authentication, utilize the dedicated SQL Password Refixer tool for efficient password recovery solutions.
Step 1: Install the SQL Password Refixer utility on your SQL Server 2008 R2 host machine.
Step 2: Halt SQL Server 2008 R2 operations through Services Manager for security maintenance.
Access SQL Server Configuration Manager to properly terminate SQL Server instance services before proceeding.
Step 3: Locate critical system database files containing authentication data.
The master.mdf database file stores all user credentials, including SA passwords, which the recovery tool accesses for password reset operations.
Initialize SQL Password Refixer and click Open File to navigate to your SQL Server's master.mdf location (typically in Program Files > Microsoft SQL Server > MSSQL10_50.MSSQLSERVER > MSSQL > DATA).
Step 4: Execute SA credential reset protocol through the recovery interface.
After successful master.mdf import, select the SA account from the user list and activate the password reset function through the dedicated control panel.
In the Password Reset Console, generate and verify a new complex password meeting SQL Server security requirements.
The system confirms successful SA credential modification with updated authentication details visible in the user registry.
Step 5: Reinitialize SQL Server services to implement security changes.
Restart SQL Server services through Configuration Manager and authenticate using your new SA credentials in SQL Server Authentication mode.
