DSRM password

The DSRM password is a special password used to log in to a server in Directory Services Restore Mode. This mode is typically used when performing recovery tasks for Active Directory, such as restoring or repairing the Active Directory database.

Here’s some important information about the DSRM password:

1. Purpose: The DSRM password is set during the installation of the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) role. It's used to log into a server when it's started in DSRM, which is a safe mode designed to allow you to perform directory-related repairs and maintenance.

2. Accessing DSRM: To access the DSRM, you must boot the server into this special mode, usually by pressing F8 during boot and selecting "Directory Services Restore Mode" from the boot options. You then log in using the DSRM password.

3. Default or Custom Password: During the setup of Active Directory, you set a DSRM password, which is different from the domain admin password. If you forget it, you can reset the password using the following steps:

   • Boot the server into Directory Services Restore Mode.
   • Log in using the DSRM password.
   • Use NTDSUtil or other tools to reset the DSRM password.

4. Important: The DSRM password should be securely stored since it’s vital for system recovery. It's not the same as the domain admin password but is often set to the same value for convenience during setup.