A random password procedure for SQL Server should use CRYPT_GEN_RANDOM, skip lookalike characters and guarantee every kind of character. This post builds one with a length and character switches, then tests 1,000 passwords. It also covers errors and safe handling.
Generate a Random Password in SQL Server Using T-SQL
To generate a random password in T-SQL, draw bytes from CRYPT_GEN_RANDOM, pick characters from a safe pool and shuffle them. This post builds one procedure that guarantees upper case, lower case, a digit and a symbol, skips look-alike characters, and proves it on 1,000 passwords. It also explains why ABS(CHECKSUM(NEWID())) can fail with an overflow error.
SQL SERVER – Transfer Logins Error: Msg 15021: Invalid Value Given for Parameter Password
Moving logins with sp_help_revlogin failed with Msg 15021: invalid value given for parameter PASSWORD. Here is what was wrong with the hashed password.
Salted Password Hashes With HASHBYTES and CRYPT_GEN_RANDOM
A salt makes two identical passwords look different, yet it does not slow down guessing. Here is a small demo of both, and what to use instead.
Error 0x80040E4D: SaveToSQLServer Fails With Login Failed for sa
Error 0x80040E4D stopped a client from saving a maintenance plan, with Login failed for user sa at the end of the message. The sa login was locked out by another maintenance plan that still used an old password. Windows authentication worked in the meantime.
MySQL – Fix – Error – Your Password does not Satisfy the Current Policy Requirements
MySQL rejected every password with “does not satisfy the current policy requirements”. Here is how to check the validate_password settings and fix it.
SQL SERVER – Log Shipping Copy Job Failure – The Password for This Account Has Expired
A reader’s log shipping copy job was failing with ‘The password for this account has expired’. Here is how we found the cause and fixed it.