Recovering Files from a Windows Server After Losing the Admin Password

Losing access to your Windows Server due to a forgotten password can be a major setback. However, there are methods to retrieve your files and regain control of your data. This guide will outline the steps necessary to recover your files from a Windows Server using a Linux-based Rescue Mode. Keep in mind that the process may vary depending on your hosting provider, but we will provide general guidelines to assist you through the recovery procedure.

Password Reset Limitations

Recovering lost admin passwords for Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022 is no longer feasible. Microsoft’s latest security enhancements have implemented robust measures to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive data. As a result, the days of easy password recovery for lost admin credentials are gone. Consequently, the only option is to recover all crucial files and data from your Windows Server instance and proceed with a server reset.

Launching Rescue System

To initiate the file recovery process, you will need to access a Linux-based Rescue Mode. If you are a Server Gigabit customer, you can directly access this mode from the Customer Control Panel.

1. Navigate to “Your Services” and hover over “Manage.” Then, click on “Rescue System.”

2. Leave the default selection as “Debian Rescue” and assign a password for your rescue instance.

3. After a brief reboot, you will be able to log in to your Rescue System via SSH.

Important Note: While your server is in rescue mode, you cannot access it via RDP.

For customers of other providers, the process may vary. Therefore, it is recommended to consult your hosting provider’s documentation or support team for specific instructions on accessing Rescue Mode.

Mounting the Windows Partition

Once you have accessed the Linux-based Rescue Mode, follow these steps:

1. Create a directory to mount the Windows partition using the following command:

sudo mkdir /mnt/windows

2. Identify the Windows partition using the command:

fdisk –l

3. Once you have determined the correct partition, mount it using the following command:

mount /dev/sdX /mnt/windows

Replace “[/dev/sdX]” with the appropriate partition identifier, such as “[/dev/sda1]”.

Transfer the Files with SCP

With the Windows partition mounted, you can now transfer your important files to a different server for backup purposes. SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is a secure file transfer protocol that can be used for this purpose.

1. Ensure you have another server or computer with SSH access, where you want to transfer the files.

2. Use the SCP command to copy files from the Windows partition to the remote server. For example, to copy a file named “important_file.txt” from the Windows partition to the remote server, you can run:

scp /mnt/windows/important_file.txt user@remote_server:/path/to/destination/

Replace “user” with the username on the remote server, “remote_server” with the server’s IP address or hostname, and “[/path/to/destination/]” with the desired location on the remote server where you want to store the file.

3. Repeat the SCP command for each file or directory you wish to back up.

Note: Important files on a Windows Server are commonly found in the following locations:

• User profiles: C:\Users\

• System files: C:\Windows\

• Application data: C:\ProgramData\

• Web server files: C:\inetpub\

Once the files have been transferred, you can proceed with reinstalling your Windows Server and take precautions to avoid forgetting your Admin password again. To enhance password security, consider using a password manager like Bitwarden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, losing access to your Windows Server due to a forgotten password can be a challenging situation, but it is not insurmountable. By following the outlined steps, you can recover your important files and regain control of your data using a Linux-based Rescue Mode. Remember to prioritize password security by implementing a robust password management system like Bitwarden.