Updating the Local Admin Account

aaronstuder · 2014-10-08T11:07:48.000Z

We have about 25 computer in a remote office that were setup before my time here.

The remote office just hired there own on-site IT staff and are moving to there own domain, and now they need the local administrator password, however no one here knows it.

The computer are on our domain, what is the best way to update the local administrator password?

glenlashley · 2014-10-08T11:09:46.000Z

As a domain admin, you can use Computer Management to update, create change etc all local user accounts. Just reset the local admin account password from there.

bryandoe · 2014-10-08T11:46:12.000Z

Group policy preferences can update it, or for that few just do it manually as mentioned above.

DragonsRule · 2014-10-08T12:02:57.000Z

Bryan Doe:

Group policy preferences can update it, or for that few just do it manually as mentioned above.

GPP can no longer be used for account passwords.

learn.microsoft.com

Archived MSDN and TechNet Blogs

larissa-vembu · 2014-10-08T12:09:58.000Z

Hi,

Hope the following below steps helps:

Administrator account is disabled by default on Windows 7. Enable WINDOWS 7 Administrator Account with Group Policy (GPO)Group Policy can be used to enable it.

Create a new GPO and go to: Computer configuration → Policies → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Security Options. On Right Pane click on Accounts: Administrator account status and change the settings to Enabled.

To enter a password for the Local Administrator Account, Group Policy Preferences can be used:

Go to Preferences → Control Panel Settings → and right click on Local Users and Groups. Choose: New → Local User. From Drop-down menu on User name choose: Administrator (built-in). Enter the password and confirm it.

DragonsRule · 2014-10-08T12:20:05.000Z

Larissa (Vembu):

To enter a password for the Local Administrator Account, Group Policy Preferences can be used:

Go to Preferences → Control Panel Settings → and right click on Local Users and Groups. Choose: New → Local User. From Drop-down menu on User name choose: Administrator (built-in). Enter the password and confirm it.

See my link above - you can’t do that anymore.

anon86462486 · 2014-10-08T12:55:43.000Z

Hi,

We use a power shell script to do this (attached). It was made by a previous employee - I don’t know exactly how it works but I have annotated the function area the best I could. Make sure to edit the script to your needs. (if it brings down your network, I’m sorry in advance )

PS_Change_Admin_Password__1_-GUI.ps1 (5.81 KB)

glenlashley · 2014-10-08T12:57:06.000Z

obristow:

(if it brings down your network, I’m sorry in advance )

Harsh

anon86462486 · 2014-10-08T12:59:21.000Z

Glen Lashley:

obristow:

(if it brings down your network, I’m sorry in advance )

Harsh

Just taking precautions

pinascode · 2014-10-09T09:52:47.000Z

in the technet article it gives you this link to get two powershell scripts that can help you with this.

http://support2.microsoft.com/kb/2962486

bestintexas · 2014-10-09T11:21:11.000Z

Here’s a vbscript that I use. It didn’t bring down my network… yet, but be careful anyway.

adminPWchange6.vbs (2.36 KB)