Learn how to reset Windows password on an OVHcloud VPS. Our OVH Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

How to Reset Windows Password on an OVHcloud VPS

Forgetting your Windows password can be frustrating, especially when managing a VPS. Fortunately, if we are using an OVHcloud VPS, there are two reliable methods to reset the Windows password:

• Rescue Mode
• Windows Customer Rescue System

Let’s break down both methods step-by-step.

Method 1: Resetting the Password Using Rescue Mode

Rescue mode lets us access our VPS through VNC and use command-line tools to reset the password. Here’s how:

1. First, log in to the OVHcloud Control Panel.
2. Then, select the VPS and connect using VNC with the login details provided.
3. Now, run the following commands in the VNC console to mount the Windows file system:

   ntfsfix /dev/sdb2
mount -t ntfs-3g /dev/sdb2 /mnt

4. Then, move to the correct directory where the password data is stored:

   cd /mnt/Windows/System32/config
5. Now, we can view the list of user accounts on the VPS with this command:

   chntpw -l SAM
6. After that, reset the password for the Administrator or the desired user account:

   chntpw -u Administrator SAM
   When prompted, press 1 to clear the password, then Enter. Press q to quit and y to save changes.
7. Now, it is time to return to the OVHcloud control panel. So, click the more options (…) button in the “Boot” section.
8. Select Reboot my VPS and confirm the action.
9. After the VPS reboots, log in — no password required.
10. Immediately set a new password by pressing CTRL + ALT + DELETE.
11. Click Change a password. Leave the “Old password” field blank, then enter the new password twice.

Method 2: Using the Windows Customer Rescue System

If we prefer a graphical interface, the Windows Customer Rescue System lets us reset the password with the NTPWEdit tool.

1. In the OVHcloud Control Panel, set Netboot to Boot from the hard disk.
2. Reboot the VPS.
3. Then, connect to the VPS using Remote Desktop.
4. Download NTPWEdit from its official website.
5. Extract the ZIP file.
6. Run ntpwedit64.exe.
7. After that, we have to modify the SAM File. To do so, open NTPWEdit and go to the local Windows drive.
8. Then, head to E:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\
9. Next, select and open the SAM file.
10. Now, choose the admin user and click Change password.
11. Then, leave the password fields empty and click OK.
12. Click Save Changes and Exit.
13. At this point, we have to reboot the server. So go to the OVHcloud Control Panel.
14. Then, change Netboot back to Boot from the hard disk.
15. Restart the server by clicking more options (…) near Status and selecting Restart.
16. Once rebooted, set a new password. For newer Windows versions:
    • Click the Start menu.
    • Type Sign-in options and click the corresponding button.
    • Under Password, click Add, and set your new password.
17. For older Windows versions:
    • If a cmd window appears, type:

      net user Administrator *
    • Use the virtual keyboard if necessary to avoid input errors.

[Need assistance with a different issue? Our team is available 24/7.]

Conclusion

Rescue Mode and the Windows Customer Rescue System let us reset the Windows password on an OVHcloud VPS. Rescue Mode is ideal for those comfortable with command-line tools, while NTPWEdit offers a more user-friendly option.

In brief, our Support Experts demonstrated how to reset the Windows password on an OVHcloud VPS.