Hacking advice for a Win2003 server

[undeterred]

I have a server box that is not going to be needed for its intended purpose, so my manager said I could use it for studying for MCSE. However I don't have the Administrator password and the person who built the server is on vacation for 3 weeks.

Is there any non-drastic way I can get into it?

[RazzleCat]

1. use linux/unix disk to crack windows

Free Windows password-cracking tools are usually Linux boot disks that have NT file system (NTFS) drivers and software that will read the registry and rewrite the password hashes for any account including the Administrators. This process requires physical access to the console and an available floppy drive but it works like a charm! I've done it myself several times with no glitch or problem whatsoever.
http://www.petri.co.il/forgot_administrator_password.htm

use with care, read everything prior to using. I have used the jack ripper in a similar situation, the former admin quit and took the passwords with him.

[SKKY]

2. I've used the Syslinux boot disk to reset several machines...

...and it works great. About 1 in 25 will get corrupted and you'll be left with nothing to do but reload from scratch, but for the most part it works great.

[DS1]

3. reformat it

the experience of building it from scratch, and digging up the right drivers will be a good experience if you want to be an MSCE