Summary: This blog provides the method to unlock SQL server SA account when you are facing the troublesome situation in accessing your SQL account.
There are chances that some of you are facing the failure of logging in to the SQL server SA account after trying multiple attempts. The following error message can be seen while logging:
"Login failed for user 'sa' because the account is currently locked out. The system administrator can unlock it. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 18486)".
There can be various reasons behind the locking of SQL server System Administrator account. So, l have identified some of the reasons which are discussed below.
In SQL server there can be some reasons due to which System Administrator gets locked out are as follows:
Therefore, it is advisable that you should keep your eye on the above reasons to prevent the issue of SA account getting locked. Now, let’s move to unlock SQL server SA account.
1. Disable Password Enforcement Policy to Unlock SA Account
In this method use Windows Authentication to log into SQL Server Management Studio. For this, follow the below steps:
2. Use SQL Server Password Recovery Tool
There is another way to get rid of SQL server SA locked up by using the SysInfo SQL Server Password Recovery Tool. From this tool, you can reset the password in case you have lost the password or forgot the password. The free version of this tool shows you first two characters of the lost password.
I have discussed the reasons for locking out of SA account so you should keep in mind. The manual, as well as expert solution, is provided here to unlock SQL server SA account. You can choose any method wisely which suits your situation the best.