Windows SAM (Security Accounts Manager)
SAM (Security Accounts Manager)
SAM (Security Accounts Manager)
Windows SAM (Windows Security Accounts Manager)
* '''SAM Database''': A registry hive file that stores user credentials and account information. * '''SAM Service''': A Windows service responsible for managing and accessing the SAM database. * '''Registry Hive''': Stored as a file typically located in `C:\Windows\System32\config\SAM`.
* '''Password Storage''': Stores hashed versions of user passwords. * '''User Account Management''': Maintains information about user accounts, groups, and associated security identifiers (SIDs). * '''Authentication''': Works with the Local Security Authority (LSA) to authenticate users during login. * '''Access Control''': Implements policies for password complexity, expiration, and lockout.
* Use the `net user` command to list user accounts: ```cmd net user ```
* Open a command prompt with administrative privileges. * Use the `net user` command to reset the password: ```cmd net user username newpassword ```
* Open the Local Security Policy editor (`secpol.msc`). * Navigate to `Account Policies` > `Password Policy` to set policies such as minimum password length, complexity requirements, and expiration.
* The SAM database file is typically located in `C:\Windows\System32\config\SAM`.
```