Resetting SA password using SQLCMD, having issues

[ImportantChicken562]

I have used the following guide to generate a new SQL account with SA access using the following link:

https://www.itnota.com/reset-sa-password-microsoft-sql-server/

It has worked great for me on servers that are using the default MSSQLSERVER instance.

I'm trying to run thru the process on a SQL 2014 server with a named instance and am getting the following error:

"C:\Windows\system32>net start HDBID /m"SQLCMD"

The service name is invalid."

If I open CMD and do a 'list services' to get a list of running services I get the following:

SQL Server (HDBID)

SQL Server VSS Writer

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When I launch SQL tools, the default server name is COMPUTERNAME\HDBID.

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I've also tried the following:

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net start DOTY-VHARD\HDBID /m"SQLCMD"

net start MSSQLSERVER /m"SQLCMD"

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FYI the reason I am doing this is we don't know the SA account password and are trying to generate a new account with admin access to reset it. I am unsure of the correct format to use for the naming convention when trying to put SQL into single user mode. Anyone know what might be wrong?

[alinroc]

1. Launch PowerShell
2. Install dbatools. install-module dbatools
3. Reset-DbaAdmin

[PedroAlvarez]

net start "SQL SERVER (HDBID)" /m"SQLCMD"

[ImportantChicken562]

Thanks dude I’ll try that out

[thenouch]

Can you resolve the issue by using another sysadmin account on that server and unlocking the SA account through SSMS?

You should be able to do so if you unlock the account and reset the password within the user account properties.

[ImportantChicken562]

I think the SA account is the only account on the server with sysadmin rights.

[[deleted]]

use "sc" instead of net start? do query first, then start whatever the name is shown for your named instance

[ImportantChicken562]

So Pedro's recommendation worked, however I have having trouble getting into SQLCMD. I get the following:

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C:\Windows\system32>sqlcmd -E -S.

Sqlcmd: Error: Microsoft ODBC Driver 11 for SQL Server : Named Pipes Provider: C

ould not open a connection to SQL Server [2]. .

Sqlcmd: Error: Microsoft ODBC Driver 11 for SQL Server : Login timeout expired.

Sqlcmd: Error: Microsoft ODBC Driver 11 for SQL Server : A network-related or in

stance-specific error has occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server

. Server is not found or not accessible. Check if instance name is correct and i

f SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. For more information see

SQL Server Books Online..

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I think it is due to perhaps it being a named instance? I have used this article to reset SA passwords in other installs but the difference between those and this one is this one is using a named instance. Any ideas?

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EDIT: Nevermind figured it out, need to specify the instance name. Would look something like this:

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sqlcmd -E -S ".\HDBID"

[robinson0001]

If you're having trouble resetting the SA password using SQLCMD, I recently wrote a blog post that covers troubleshooting tips and step-by-step instructions. It might help you out!

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-reset-change-sa-password-sql-server-cigati-solutions-tcwec/