How can I change my user-account password from a Command Prompt?

You can change a Windows User Account password that is on any Windows computer from any other Windows computer regardless of whether the User Account is on a workstation, a stand-alone server, or a Windows domain controller. Additionally, it makes no difference whether the password being changed from a workstation, a stand-alone server, or a Windows domain controller. This is true for any NT 4.0, W2K, XP Pro and Windows Server 2003 computer.

To change a user's password at the command prompt, log on as an administrator and type:

net user danielp * /domain

(This is only an example, use your own username)

When you are prompted to type a password for the user, type the new password, not the existing password. After you type the new password, the system prompts you to retype the password to confirm. The password is now changed.

Alternatively, you can type the following command:

net user danielp 123456 /domain

When you do so, the password changes without prompting you again. This command also enables you to change passwords in a batch file.

Note: If you type these commands on a member server or workstation and you don't add the /domain switch, the command will be performed on the local SAM and NOT on the DC SAM.

For example, to change the administrator's password type:

net user administrator 123456

Note: Non-administrators receive a "System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied" error message when they attempt to change the password.