How to change sa password in SQL Server 2008 express?

Question

I have installed SQL Server 2008 express and logging in through windows authentication, it doesn't allow me to do anything. How do i change 'sa' password or gain full privilege in my local computers 2008 express ? I am using windows 7.

question from:https://stackoverflow.com/questions/3781365/how-to-change-sa-password-in-sql-server-2008-express

Answer 1

If you want to change your 'sa' password with SQL Server Management Studio, here are the steps:

1. Login using Windows Authentication and ".SQLExpress" as Server Name

2. Change server authentication mode - Right click on root, choose Properties, from Security tab select "SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode", click OK

3. Set sa password - Navigate to Security > Logins > sa, right click on it, choose Properties, from General tab set the Password (don't close the window)

4. Grant permission - Go to Status tab, make sure the Grant and Enabled radiobuttons are chosen, click OK

5. Restart SQLEXPRESS service from your local services (Window+R > services.msc)