http://codex.wordpress.org/User:MichaelH/Orphaned_Plugins_needing_Adoption/Emergency. This PHP script when run on a web server will allow a webmaster to reset the Administrator password for a WordPress installation. This is another good way to reset the password if you forget it. If you have access to the MySQL command line you may also use that to reset the password. The MySQL query below will allow you to change the password.
UPDATE wp_users SET user_pass = MD5('Password1') WHERE ID = 1; |
Just execute this and the password will be reset. Then you may log in as normal. Of course, Password1 is a terrible password, but this is just to get the user back into the account and then they are able to reset the password and generate a proper password that would be more secure. Logging into your Cpanel and using phpMyAdmin is good for accessing an account if you are locked out of it.
You can use the command line to generate a password on Linux.
[ jason@ ] [ Jobs 0. PWD: ~. -bash 3.2.57. ] [ 49-:$ ] -> openssl rand -base64 48 PaUuYXUSO5EOODzhi3Nr2gGBIaN0toiZs+okf+DYGaSBOMNOSW/JsZTHvETn3i5A |
That uses upper and lowercase characters and works perfectly. Of course, the user could use the lot password option to reset a password, but this tip is also very useful if there is an admin who can access Cpanel and phpMyAdmin to reset a password for them. As long as the password is longer than 8 characters and is not just a word, it is fine. Using upper and lowercase characters as well as special characters like !@#$%^&*() can also help add more password complexity.
How to use the Linux command line to generate an absurdly complicated password.
https://securitronlinux.com/bejiitaswrath/how-to-use-the-linux-command-line-to-generate-an-absurdly-complicated-password/.