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December 22nd, 2025 02:34

Factory Reset PowerEdge T150 Server 2022

Good Day,

I am seeking guidance on how to factory reset a Dell PowerEdge T150 running Windows Server 2022. The administrator password for the domain controller was lost by the previous company, and as a result we are unable to access the system.

The server was originally configured by Dell using iDRAC, and we do not have access to the original ISO media. Dell has advised that they are unable to provide an ISO for reinstallation.

Given these constraints, I am looking for any recommended options or supported methods to perform a factory reset or clean OS reinstallation on this server.

Any assistance or direction you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

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December 22nd, 2025 07:19

I see different probems....

To gain access to iDRAC

  • Reboot the System and press F2 and select the iDRAC. There you can reset the password for the "root" user
  • Reseting the idrac password without rebooting is only possible if you have racadm(.exe) within the installed OS and administrator permissions

If the Server ships with a Windows Server OEM

  • There will be a sticker on the top of the case with the microsoft serial
  • Dell ships a OEM Windows always with a recovery ISO... and this will be located within the Dell Digital Locker. Its a mandatory SKU when configured the server with Windows(OEM).  Getting a phy. DVD is a optional SKU. If you buy a ROK or something else than youre at your own

Wiping a windows DC

  • Is this the one and only DC in that organization?
  • How large is the organization
  • You should test if the old trick by replacing utilman.exe against cmd.exe  and gaining access through Ease of Access icon. If so a simple net user administrator /domain NewSecretPassword

(edited)

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March 4th, 2026 02:46

@Origin3k​ 

Good Day, thank you for the response! I was able to gain access to my iDRAC. I also was able to get the recovery ISO file.

I attempted the utilman.exe approach but this did not work.

This would be the only DC utilized by the organization. The organization is very small. Less than 20 people. The Organization bought this server and then forgot the password to the DC Admin. They never hooked up any workstation to the DC and there is no data. 

Is these another approach other than the utilman.exe approach or would it be best to factory reset the system? If so would the best approach be to :

  • F11 - Boot Menu
  • USB Installer
  • Install Now
  • Windows Server 2022 Standard
  • Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
    • Here I would delete each partition?
  • Then reinstall windows server 2022?

Thanks!

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