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Lost SERVER password for WHS 2011 RRS feed

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    I purchased a used LaCie 1U server running Windows Home Server 2011.  The ADMIN password was reset and was provided with the unit; HOWEVER, the SERVER password necessary to install the Connector software properly is unknown.  The distributor from whom I purchased the unit was not the owner (just an eBay clearinghouse).

    The "hint" doesn't mean anything to me or the seller.

    Are there any options for recovering/resetting the SERVER password?

    I don't have the O/S CD (it wasn't provided with the purchase, unfortunately) although I do know the Product Key.

    Is there a way to "reset" the O/S without the original disk?  I found a "promising" entry at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/resetting-factory-default-settings-2.aspx.

    "Reset the system to factory default settings and keep all of your data. All of the server configuration and other settings are deleted, and you must reconfigure your server. When the reset is complete, your server will restart. To reconfigure your server, from a client computer, open a web browser, and then type http://<YourServerName> in the address bar."

    I followed the directions for logging in and was successful.  What I could not figure out is HOW to "trigger" a reset.

    NO computers have been connected to the server using the Connector software due to this issue, so one of the "prerequisites" - You must uninstall the Windows Home Server 2011 connector software on all computers that were connected to the server - could not be performed.


    • Edited by TK L'ski Tuesday, January 6, 2015 5:40 AM
    Tuesday, January 6, 2015 5:38 AM

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    Hi,

    the server password for WHS IS the password for the built in Administrator account.

    But a not accepted password for connector install displayed can have also other reasons, such like messed up .NET Framework or IIS settings. You might check the system-, application- and security log on the server for related messages around the time of your attempt and if you find any, post them here.

    As for the button to change the password not becoming active, did you enter a password hint? Filling something in there is mandatory.

    Best greetings from Germany
    Olaf

    • Marked as answer by TK L'ski Thursday, February 12, 2015 1:06 AM
    Wednesday, February 4, 2015 9:35 AM

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    Hi,

    the exact reset procedure depends from the OEM - and without his media it will be difficult to reinstall the system at all.

    The server password is the password of the account Administrator.

    If this is unknown, and you have physical access to the server, there are various ways to set a new password with or without 3rd party tools. The search engine of your choice should lead you to a way.

    Best greetings from Germany
    Olaf

    • Proposed as answer by Justin Gu Wednesday, January 7, 2015 8:40 AM
    • Marked as answer by Justin Gu Monday, January 19, 2015 3:49 PM
    • Unmarked as answer by TK L'ski Tuesday, February 3, 2015 7:21 PM
    Tuesday, January 6, 2015 10:31 AM
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    Olaf,  thank you for your reply.

    I see that someone affiliated with Microsoft marked the inquiry as answered; however, this is not the case (UPDATE: this is stated in ignorance.  I have been able to change the server password through the Dashboard and log on as 'Administrator' with the new password).

    Admittedly, I incorrectly identified the account for ADMIN as having been reset.  In reality, the Administrator account was reset, I do have access to it, and I have changed the password.  I can log into the server (directly) with the Administrator account and (new) password.

    The problem that I encounter is when I attempt to install the Connector software on a networked computer.  The installation goes fine UNTIL a prompt for the SERVER password comes up.  The Administrator password is UNSUCCESSFUL and, as a result, I have been unable to add any computers to the server with the Connector software.

    Here is my "problem":

    Log into the server itself as Administrator (I've also tried an account with Administrator privileges)

    Open the Dashboard

    Click on the "Computers and Backup" icon

    On the right-hand sidebar, under the section entitled "Computers and Backup Tasks"

    is an option entitled "Change the server password"

    This does NOT have a username/account associated with it.

    The "Change password" button, to the left of the "Cancel" button in the bottom right-hand corner, never becomes active, even when I enter the current Administrator password.


    It is not knowing THIS password (thus being unable to change it either) that prevents installation of the Connector software (to the best of my knowledge) and what I am inquiring about.

    • Edited by TK L'ski Thursday, February 12, 2015 12:49 AM Misstatement re: provided answer
    Tuesday, February 3, 2015 11:26 PM
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    Hi,

    the server password for WHS IS the password for the built in Administrator account.

    But a not accepted password for connector install displayed can have also other reasons, such like messed up .NET Framework or IIS settings. You might check the system-, application- and security log on the server for related messages around the time of your attempt and if you find any, post them here.

    As for the button to change the password not becoming active, did you enter a password hint? Filling something in there is mandatory.

    Best greetings from Germany
    Olaf

    • Marked as answer by TK L'ski Thursday, February 12, 2015 1:06 AM
    Wednesday, February 4, 2015 9:35 AM
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    Olaf, thank you for the extra step of ALSO including a hint.  Since I was flying blind on all this, I hadn't filled it in.  I've proven that I can change the "server" password and then log off/log on as 'Administrator' using the updated password.

    Now it is on to checking logs as to the "real" problem which is:

    ***********

    Installing the Connector software on a networked computer.  The installation goes fine UNTIL a prompt for the SERVER password comes up.  Although I provide the Administrator password, the Connector indicates the password is incorrect and, as a result, I have been unable to add any computers to the server with the Connector software.

    ***********


    • Edited by TK L'ski Thursday, February 12, 2015 1:02 AM
    Thursday, February 12, 2015 12:18 AM
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    There are various possibilites what might cause this situation.

    Please check the security log on the server, also system and application log, if there are related errors or informations  around the time frame of the failed connect.

    Validate, that date, time and time zone on both client and server are matching.

    You try to install the client from http://servername/connect?

    Did you verify, if name resolution works properly? Some steps are described in this FAQ for the old WHS, besides the ports and the file locations the most stuff is still proper for WHS 2011.

    Best greetings from Germany
    Olaf

    • Edited by Olaf Engelke Tuesday, February 17, 2015 12:56 PM
    Tuesday, February 17, 2015 12:55 PM