Navigate to: C:\Program Files (x86)\Symantec\Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager\db\ Copy the file sem5.db to a safe location (e.g., Desktop). If you make a mistake, you can restore this file.

UPDATE SEM_MAIN_USER SET USER_PASSWORD = 'XR7g7aFwk1WjMI7Pm2BGU8WeJgG7gP2mFg==', IS_LOCKED = '0', PASSWORD_ATTEMPTS = '0' WHERE USER_NAME = 'admin'; This sets the admin password to a known default hash. The string above corresponds to the plaintext password symantec (all lowercase).

Introduction: The Lockout Nightmare Every IT administrator knows the sinking feeling. You walk into the office on a Monday morning, fire up the console to check the latest threat reports for your endpoint fleet, and type in the credentials you’ve used a thousand times. Access Denied.

The password for the built-in admin account in Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager (SEPM) has expired, been changed by a departing colleague, or simply slipped your mind. Panic sets in. Without this password, you cannot manage policies, deploy agents, or review security incidents.