Recovering the SA Password

The System Administrator password is required to open the Dashboard the first time, to install and uninstall Spector 360, and for select database maintenance functions. If you lose the SA password, you can recover it or reinstall the database to define a new password.

To recover the SA password:

  1. Navigate to the Spector 360 database folder, the default location is:
    C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Spctr_Data

  2. Find the sapwd.txt. The file is present after you have started and logged into the Dashboard at least once.

  3. Attach the file to an email to SpectorSoft Technical Support, explaining what you need.

  4. SpectorSoft Technical Support will be able to decrypt the file and send you your SA password.

If you have changed the SA password using an external SQL application, such as Enterprise Manager or OSQL, the file will not contain the current password and SpectorSoft will not be able to help you. You must reinstall the database and define a new password.

To define a new SA password by reinstalling:

You do not need to reinstall all Server Components, just the Spector 360 Database. For safety, back up your current database and move the backup to a safe location. A reinstall procedure, however, should not disturb or remove the existing data.

  1. Stop the Data Vault service. This forces the Clients to retain data until you are ready to receive it again.

  2. Run the Setup program. Make sure the Setup you use is for the latest version you have installed.

  3. Select the Reinstall option.

  4. Deselect All Spector 360 Components, Dashboard and Server Components.

  5. Deselect all Server Components except Database and begin the Setup.   

  6. Follow the Setup instructions. You will be reinstalling the SQL Server service and upgrading the Spector 360 databases to the latest version.

  7. When the Database Security panel appears, enter the new SA password. Be sure to keep track of it!

  8. When the installation is finished, restart the Data Vault service.

  9. Start the Dashboard, logging in with the new SA password. When you are prompted to update your profile, respond NO. This leaves all charts and reports exactly as you had them defined.