Changing SQL Server Passwords

Most security experts' recommendations include changing passwords frequently to enhance security. It is easy to change the password on a SQL Server Username via Query Analyzer. Changing the password with Query Analyzer makes it easy to coordinate changing the password on the database server at the same time as it is changed in the connection string. This approach provides the flexibility to change the password at the most appropriate time for the application.

To change the SQL Server Username password, just connect to the database with Query Analyzer using the SQL Server Username that is being updated and the current password. Then run "sp_password" to change the password.

sp_password [ [ @old = ] 'old_password' , ]
      { [ @new =] 'new_password' }
      [ , [ @loginame = ] 'login' ]

The Office Microsoft Documentation for sp_password

Here is a simple example that changes the current password from
"currentPSWD" to "newPSWD";

sp_password 'currentPSWD', 'newPSWD'

Be sure to use a strong password, "newPSWD" is just an example. I always like to test any change like this right away. For a quick test to confirm that the new password is working, close Query Analyzer and then re-connect with the new password. That is all there is to it, except for changing your connections string. It is obvious, but still critical to remember to change the password in your connection string if this SQL Username is used in your code. Once the password has been changed and tested with Query Analyzer, update the connection string with the new password and test that e verything still works correctly, and you're done.

David Weber is a support specialist with ORCS Web, Inc. - a company that provides managed hosting services for clients who develop and deploy their applications on Microsoft Windows platforms.