Skip to main content

​
Reset the Windows Administrator Password

Every EDBB Windows VPS includes a password-helper ISO. Booting from it lets you clear the local SAM database and set a new Administrator password without reinstalling the operating system.

​
Before You Begin

🔐 Portal Access

Confirm you can sign in to the EDBB VPS Portal. You’ll manage the entire workflow from the service dashboard.

🕒 Restart Window

Allow a short maintenance window—the VPS reboots once into the helper ISO and once back into Windows.

🔑 New Password Ready

Prepare a strong replacement password in your manager so you can paste it the moment Windows unlocks.

​
Step 1 – Open the VPS Dashboard

1

Log in

Sign in to the EDBB portal, go to Services, and open the Windows VPS that needs recovery.
2

Check the status

Ensure the VPS is running. The helper workflow uses an automated reboot—no manual shutdown required.

​
Step 2 – Boot from the Password Helper ISO

1

Enable console access

In the quick action column, expand the red VNC Off button and choose Enable VNC. See the VNC guide if you need extra help.
2

Go to Installation → ISO Boot

Switch to the Installation tab along the top, then select the ISO Boot sub-tab.
3

Mount the helper ISO

Pick 1_Password-Reset-Helper.iso, tick Force reset & boot from the selected ISO, and click Mount ISO.
4

Open the console

Click Open Console to launch the portal console (or use your preferred VNC client) and watch the helper environment boot.
Reset Windows Password

​
Step 3 – Clear the Administrator Password

  1. Click inside the console window so keyboard input is captured.
  2. Wait for the helper menu to appear. Reset Windows Password
  3. Press Enter, type 1 for Reset Administrator password, and press Enter again. Reset Windows Password
  4. Type q to quit the user editor and hit Enter. Reset Windows Password
  5. Enter y to save the changes and press Enter once more. Reset Windows Password
  6. Accept the confirmation to unmount the ISO and reboot. Reset Windows Password
The VPS restarts automatically and boots back into Windows with the Administrator password cleared.
Store the new password immediately—EDBB does not resend credentials. Treat the helper ISO as temporary; leave it mounted only while you complete the reset.

​
Step 4 – Sign In and Set a New Password

  1. After the reboot, Windows signs in without asking for a password.
  2. Launch Command Prompt as Administrator. Reset Windows Password
  3. Run the following command, replacing NewStrongPassword! with your chosen value: 
net user Administrator "NewStrongPassword!"
Reset Windows Password
  1. Close the command window, log off, and sign back in with the new Administrator password to confirm the change.

​
Step 5 – Return to Normal Boot

1

Unmount the ISO

Back in Installation → ISO Boot, click Unmount so Windows boots from disk next time.
2

Disable VNC

Toggle VNC back off if you only needed it for the reset.
3

Update records

Store the new credential in your password manager and update any internal runbooks.

​
Aftercare Tips

  • Enable multi-factor authentication for administrative users where possible.
  • Audit local accounts periodically and remove access for former staff or contractors.
  • Keep this helper ISO workflow in your incident response plan for future reference.
You have now restored Administrator access to your Windows VPS without reinstallation.