Overview

This article provides step-by-step instructions for updating the Windows service account password in RightFax Enterprise Fax Manager (EFM) after the account password has been changed in Active Directory. This procedure applies when the AD account that runs RightFax services has its password changed or reset, requiring the updated credentials to be applied to all RightFax services.

Prerequisites

Before updating the service account in RightFax:

1. Change the password in Active Directory first. Do not proceed with RightFax configuration changes until the new password is confirmed in AD.
2. Verify account permissions. The service account must have:
   • Full control of all RightFax program directories
   • Appropriate SQL Server permissions (db_owner on RightFax databases)
   • Network access to all resources required by RightFax services
3. Schedule a brief maintenance window. Updating service accounts requires restarting all RightFax services. This typically takes 1-2 minutes. No faxes will be lost; queued jobs will resume after services restart.
4. Domain name length consideration. If your domain name exceeds 15 characters, you must use the Browse button when selecting the account rather than typing the account name manually.

Procedure

Step 1: Open Enterprise Fax Manager

Launch Enterprise Fax Manager from the Start Menu: RightFax → Enterprise Fax Manager

Step 2: Access Service Account Settings

1. In the left navigation pane, expand your RightFax server
2. Click Server Configuration
3. Click the Data Sharing tab
4. Click Select Service Account

The Service Account Editor window opens, displaying the currently configured account for each RightFax service (Server, WorkServer, FaxServer, DocTransport, Sync Module, etc.).

Step 3: Update the Server Service Account

The documented best practice is to update the Server service account first, then copy those credentials to all other services.

1. Next to the Server service account, click Modify
2. In the Service Logon window, select This Account
3. Verify the account name is correct (format: DOMAIN\username or MACHINE\username)
   • Important: If the domain name is longer than 15 characters, click Browse and select the account from the dialog instead of typing manually. Manually typing long domain names may cause service errors.
4. Enter the new password in both the Password and Confirm Password boxes (passwords are case-sensitive)
5. Click OK

Step 4: Copy Server Service Account to All Other Services

This step updates the service account credentials for all RightFax services (WorkServer, FaxServer, DocTransport, Sync Module, Conversion Engine, etc.) in one operation.

1. Back in the Service Account Editor window, click Copy to all
2. Click OK to close the Service Account Editor

Step 5: Restart RightFax Services

1. In Enterprise Fax Manager, select Utility from the menu bar
2. Click Restart Services
3. Monitor the service status in EFM as services stop and restart

Verification

After restarting services, verify the update was successful:

1. In Enterprise Fax Manager: Verify all services show Running status with green indicators
2. In Windows Event Viewer: Check Application and Services Logs → RightFax for service logon errors
   • Expected: No authentication or logon failure errors
   • Filter by Error level and Source: RightFax services
3. Send a test fax to confirm full functionality

Troubleshooting

If services fail to start:

Check Windows Event Viewer (Application and Services Logs → RightFax) for specific error messages. Common causes include:

• Incorrect password: Verify you entered the password correctly (case-sensitive). Re-enter credentials in EFM.
• Account locked in Active Directory: Unlock the account in AD, then update credentials in EFM.
• Insufficient permissions: Verify the account has full control of RightFax directories and appropriate SQL Server permissions.
• Domain name longer than 15 characters: If you typed the domain name manually, use the Browse button instead to select the account.

If services start but fax operations fail:

Verify the service account has access to:

• All RightFax network shares (if using UNC paths for directories)
• SQL Server (db_owner on RightFax databases)
• Email server (if using Exchange connector)
• Any third-party systems RightFax integrates with

Additional Notes

• Single account vs. separate accounts: You can use a separate account for each service if required, but the documented best practice is to use one account for all services and copy settings as shown in this procedure.
• Service account requirements: The service account does NOT need to be a Domain Administrator, but it must have full control of RightFax program directories and appropriate SQL Server permissions.
• Alternative: Local System Account: While RightFax installation allows using the Local System Account, this option is not recommended if the system requires access to network resources.

Last Verified: April 2026
Applies To Versions: RightFax 16.6, 20.2, 22.2, 23.4, 24.4, 25.4
Source Documentation: RightFax Administrator Guides (versions 16 EP2 through 25.4)