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Title
Unable to log on to Windows virtual machine after restoration -
Description
After restoring a Windows VM that is a domain member, users are unable to log on using domain credentials. -
Cause
The password on the machine's account in Active Directory has changed since the backup. The password contained in the VM no longer matches the password in Active Directory. -
Resolution
1. Locate the machine's account in Active Directory Users and Computers. Right-click the account and select reset. This will set the account's password back to the default password.
2. If you know the password to the local administrator account, go to step 3. If the password to a local administrator account is unknown (it happens!), use a third-party password reset CD. Download the ISO and connect it to the virtual CD drive on the VM. Boot to the CD and use the included utilities to reset the administrator password.
3. Log onto the VM using a local account with administrator priviliges. Remove the VM from the domain, then rejoin the VM to the domain. When joining the domain, the VM will use the default password to which the account is now set. You will now be able to log in using domain credentials.