If you are looking for a guide on how to change SQL Password using CMD, you are at the right place. While working in an SQL Server environment, many situations arise that demand the change of SQL passwords. Like all other queries, there are various methods of doing so. One of these methods is using CMD or Command Prompt. With the help of this article we will discuss the method thoroughly and also the advantages and disadvantages of using this method. 

But, before understanding the steps, we will first understand the reasons of why a user may need to change their SQL password. 

Situations that Demand Password Change in SQL

There are numerous reasons that require the solution to how to change SQL Password using CMD in the SQL Server. Here are some of these situations.

Forgotten Password: The most common reason for the password change in the SQL Server is the forgotten password. If the user sets an SQL Password and doesn’t document it properly, they may end up forgetting the password and further need to change or reset the password.

Expired Password: After a certain period of time, the users may need to update their passwords for better security. If they forget to do so, their passwords can expire, leading to the inaccessibility of the SQL Database. 

Database Migration: While migrating the database from one server to another, the user is required to reset their password in the new environment for better security of their SQL Database. 

Safeguard from Security Breach: Password change in the SQL Server may be required to protect and secure the server from any potential security breach or malicious attacks. 

After knowing the situations, let’s now take a look at the method to change the SQL Password. 

How to Change SQL Password Using CMD - Explained

A user can change their SQL Password using the Command Prompt. To implement this method, the user has to follow these steps:

PHASE 1

1. Open the Command Prompt in Run As Administrator mode.

2. Next, enter the following command:

net stop MSSQLSERVER and then press the Enter key.

1. To restart the SQL in the single user mode, type:

net start MSSQLSERVER/m ‘SQLCMD’, again press the enter key.

1. For connecting to the SQL Server, type SQLCMD and hit the enter button. 

2. Next, create a new user by entering the given command:

Create LOGIN name WITH PASSWORD = ‘Password’and then hit the enter button.(use your account name in place of name and use the password you need to setin place of password)

1. Type GO and then again hit the enter button to continue with how to change SQL Password using CMD. 

2. To add the new user to the system administration, use the command:

SP_ADDSRVROLEMEMBERname , ‘SYSADMIN’. (add the desired account name in place of name).

1. Hit the enter button, then type GO, and then again press the Enter button. To exit the SQLCMD, type EXIT and press the enter key. 

2. Now, restart the SQL Server in the normal mode. Use the command: 

net stop MSSQLSERVER && net start MSSQLSERVER. Press the enter button. 

PHASE 2

After these steps are covered, let’s move to the next phase of the process. 

1. Open the SQL Server Management Studio.

2. To connect the server, fromAuthentication, choose SQL Server Authentication.

3. Next Login using the credentials created earlier and then click on connect button.

4. Now go to the Object Explorer, from the security tab, choose logins. 

5. Next, right click on SA, then go to properties and enter the new password. Click on the OK button to save the changes.

This method will help the users understand how to change SQL Password using CMD. But there are a few limitations in the method that may create further challenges for the users during the password reset process.

Drawbacks of Using CMD for SQL Password Change

Syntax errors: As we can see, this method needs good technical skills to implement the method without any errors. But if a user who needs to change their password doesn't have that much technical knowledge, they might get stuck with the process or end up making syntax errors during the process. 

Security Concerns: Using CMD for password changes in SQL can raise security concerns as the password to be set in SQL, needs to be passed as arguments in the SQL commands. This can lead to exposing crucial data to anyone with account access or log access.

Lack of GUI: The user may face difficulties while using the command line tools, as there is no graphical user interface present. The user has to remember the accurate SQL commands to run the prompt correctly, making it more confusing with the password change.

Error Handling: The CMD offers error handling for minor and less complex errors. If an error occurs during the password change process, it might get difficult for the users to resolve it using CMD. 

With all these limitations, a user may find it troubling to learn how to change SQL Password using CMD. To overcome these challenges along with resolving the issue, we bring to you an automated solution. This solution will not only help you to reset the SQL password, but will overcome any challenges that come with it. Let’s take a look at how this solution works and how it will help you.

How to Change the SQL Password Using Automated Tool 

The tool we will be using for changing the SQL password is the SQL Password Recovery Tool. 

The tool has many features that allow the users to reset their SQL passwords in no time and in an efficient manner. We will first understand the working of the software. The steps to reset the password are:

1. Install and launch the SQL Password Changer Software.

2. Add the .mdf file in the software by using the Browse button under the Select (master.mdf) file option. 

3. Select the required MDF file from the displayed window and click on the open button to load the file into the software. 

4. After the scanning process is completed, the details of the database will be displayed on the screen with two password types: UNKNOWN and SET. Select the user whose password needs to be reset. 

5. Next, the tool will ask you to take a backup before proceeding further. Click on OK and then click on Reset Password button. 

6. The Password setting window will open and there you can set a new password. Click on the OK button after setting the password. 

7. The password has been reset successfully and now you can login to the SQL Server with the new password. 

These steps are user-friendly for the change of SQL passwords. The tool has a simple user-interface that allows all the users to understand and work on the software without worrying much about technical knowledge.

Conclusion

Learning how to change SQL password using cmd is a good idea, but implementing the method can be quite complex. In this write up, we have discussed how using the command line tool can be difficult and what are the limitations of using the tool. Along with the issues a user might face during the password change process, we have suggested an expert solution that will help the user change the password much more easily and efficiently.