To the rescue!

Moving MS SQL Server databases from one server to another tonight. Nothing like working into the late hours to screw up.

Removed old DB server from domain. Joined new one. Realized I forgot to get some data off the old server. Old server is removed from domain so only local administrator password will let me log in.

And for some reason, the documented local admin password does not match. Usually I remember to check this before doing something drastic like removing a server from the domain. Heck usually I change the local admin password and create a second account with admin rights just in case. But not tonight. Tonight I'm tired and I'm rushing things. So now I'm locked out of the server...

ARRRRRGH!

I was worried that my faithful tool for resolving this issue, the freeware Offline NT Password & Registry Editor wouldn't be able to save my butt this time. The server is Windows 2003 x64. Up until now I've only used the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor on 32 bit platforms. Also the server had a hardware RAID, who knows if the the boot CD would have the needed drivers.

Deep calming breath. Give it a try.

It's booting...it's detected the RAID card!

Yes it's found the Windows drives!

Yes yes yes it's reading in the SAM!

Offline NT Password & Registry Editor does indeed work on Windows 2003 64 bit!

Yes, I did a happy dance in the server room.

30 Things to do with a Windows Mobile Device

I have a Windows Mobile Phone. I’m not exactly a fan. I really tried to find useful things to do with this device beyond the obvious check email, SMS, etc., but I can only use my device so long before I’m overcome with an urge to throw it across the room or drop it in the toilet and flush. I put the positive stuff I’ve run across in bold text, as for the rest, Windows Mobile fans can write it off as filler or the ramblings of an idiot. Everyone else can get a feel of what the Windows Mobile experience is like without having to experience it for yourself.

1. Multitask with several apps.
2. Miss a phone call when the device is sluggish to respond due to all that multitasking.
3. Send MMS messages on AT&T.
4. Skip it across the lake.
5. Get directions, traffic, movie show times, gas prices, and more with the Live Search app.
6. Throw it under a bus.
7. Take notes with Evernote.
8. Cover in concrete.
9. Turn it into a Wi-Fi router
10. Drop it from a plane.
11. Manage your Netflix Queue
12. Play catch.
13. Do everything any other smart phone can do on Facebook.
14. Curse when ActiveSync stops syncing with Exchange.
15. Get some free Ringtones, Wallpapers, and Themes
16. Be confused by the difference between Pocket PC and Smartphone editions.
17. Share Live Video From Your Windows Mobile Phone
18. Try to find compelling free apps at handango.com
19. Reboot it.
20. Feed a goat.
21. Entomb in Yucca Mountain
22. Steady a wobbly table
23. Go swimming
24. Litter
25. Fuel a campfire
26. Target Practice at the firing range.
27. Play hockey
28. Spend hours searching for decent apps
29. Be totally baffled on when to use the touch screen, 5-way, and stylus.
30. Loose your stylus.
31. Curse when ActiveSync stops syncing with Exchange…again.
32. Reboot it…again.

At this point you may be thinking that I really hate this device. I don't, not really. I just wouldn't mind at all if it was accidentally smashed into tiny bits, and I enjoy thinking of ways to destroy it. The device provides just enough frustration to dream about destroying it, but not enough to inspire following through with it.