SADP application - LAN tool for organizing CCTV systems based on Hikvision devices

SADP (Search Active Device Protocol) is a free and simple to use utility for searching Hikvision IP cameras and Hikvision DVRs/NVRs in the local network. The online device search tool can also be used for modification of network parameters of the Hikvision devices, including the change of passwords or recovery of default passwords (when the user lost/forgot a password). It can eliminate problems with duplicated IP addresses (occurring after connecting a number of devices), even in the same network class. The software is available for Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows 2008 - 32/64-bit, Windows XP, Windows 2003 - 32-bit.
1. Installation
The SADP software is available HERE. After downloading it onto HDD, the program has to be installed.
2. Searching for active devices
After launching the program, SADP automatically scans the local network in search of newly connected devices, which are then displayed in the main window. The list of newly connected devices is refreshed every single minute, and the list of disconnected devices is refreshed every 3 minutes. The user can also manually refresh the list of connected devices by using the Refresh button. The main window displays basic information about network parameters of the devices such as: device type, IP address, communication ports, gateway, mask, MAC address, etc. Additional information includes device firmware version, name and serial number, activation status. To view all available parameters, it is necessary to move the slider in the lower part of the program window. The user can go to the device login window just by double-clicking on the IP address of the device (it automatically redirects to the login window in a web browser).
View of the main window of the SADP application
3. Saving basic information about available devices.
With SADP, the user can export a file with *xls extension, containing all network data available within this program. The necessary steps:
  • tick the device(s) whose parameters are to be saved,
  • click Export button in the main window,
  • enter a file name, and specify where to save the file (file path),
  • confirm file export.
View of the "Export Excel" window for saving network parameters of available devices.
3. Activating devices with the use of SADP app.
Hikvision IP cameras and NVRs connected to the network for the first time are detected by the SADP app as "Inactive". To activate a Hikvision device, the user must set a new password for the "admin" account. This can be done via a web browser at the first logon, with iVMS-4200 client software, via the SADP app, or directly from the NVR. To activate a device using SADP, the user should:
  • select an inactive device (or several inactive devices that should be simultaneously activated with the same password),
  • enter a new password and confirm it with Activate button.
A window from the SADP application. The red line shows the password and activation area.
The program automatically checks and displays the strength of the entered password. A strong password must be composed of 8 to 16 characters, among which there should be at least three of the following types: digits, lowercase letters, uppercase letters, special characters.
5. Export of GUID file, setup of security questions.
After activating a NVR with a newer firmware version using the SADP app, "Export GUID/Set Security Question" window appears. It allows the user to generate and export special GUID file, or set security questions for the NVR. The file or questions may be used in the future to reset the administrator password if it is forgotten or lost. If the step is omitted, it can be accessed in the future after logging into the NVR from the administrator account.
View of the "Export GUID/Set Security Question" window after activating an NVR (GUID Mode)
View of the "Export GUID/Set Security Question" window after activating an NVR (Security Question Mode)
6. Switching on Hik-Connect service.
The required steps:
  • select the device in which the service is to be enabled,
  • tick Enable Hik-Connect option,
  • create or change Verification Code
  • Confirm the entry,
  • in the main window of the program, enter the administrator password and confirm the changes.
Hik-Connect service password activation/modification window
4. Modification of network parameters of a device.
To modify network parameters of a single device, the user should:
  • from the list, select the device to be modified in terms of network parameters (the list of available parameters will be displayed on the right side of the window). In the case of selecting DHCP (the DHCP function must be supported by both the device and the router) the possible changes are limited to SDK port (by default: 8000) and HTTP port (the default is 80). Other network parameters (such as IP address, mask, gateway), are assigned automatically by the DHCP server. Similarly, IPv6 addressing is possible if the devices support that function;
  • without DHCP function, the user can modify all parameters manually (IP address, mask, gateway etc.);
  • to confirm the changes, enter the device password and click the Modify button.
View of the SADP window. The red line marks the configuration area (DHCP option is inactive).
The user can also modify network parameters of a number of devices simultaneously. To perform the Batch Modification of Network Parameters, the user should:
  • on the list, mark all devices whose parameters are to be modified;
  • in the right area of the configuration window enter the initial Start IP: address (for example, with three devices and the entered Start IP address 192.168.1.64 the next addresses will be 192.168.1.65 and 192.168.1.66), SDK port (for Hikvision devices: 8000), Subnet Mask, Gateway, HTTP Port;
  • optionally, mark the "Enable DHCP" option to assign the IP addresses, masks, gateways automatically,
  • to confirm the changes, enter the password to the devices and click the Modify button.
View of the SADP window. The red frame marks the configuration area for a group of devices
8. Resetting password (restoring factory settings).
Method depends on the firmware version of the NVR or camera. If, after selecting the device and clicking on Forgot Password, the window looks like that in the figure 1a, the suitable method is described in the paragraph I. In the case of the window like in the figure 1b, the appropriate procedure is described in the paragraph II.
1a - view of the Restore Default Password window in the case of devices with the older firmware version
1b - view of the Reset Password window in the case of devices with the new firmware version
Procedure I.
Before starting the procedure, restart your device. After that, select the device for the password recovery in the main SADP window (1) and then on Export button (4). Enter a location for saving the exported data and send the data to DIPOL Technical Department. Wait until the unlocking code is sent back. The code has to be pasted into the Security Code field (3) and confirmed with the Confirm button. This will recover the default admin password : 12345.
View of the SADP window
Procedure II.
If after clicking the Forgot Password button (2), the window looks like below, there can be three methods of resetting the administrator password (5):
  • Export/Import Secret Key Mode,
  • GUID Mode,
  • Security Question Mode).
Reset Password window with optional modes
1. Resetting password with key export/import, QR code.
Select Export/Import Secret Key Mode and Export or QR code (6) option. In the case of Export option, a pop-up window will require to enter a file path for saving the file. After selecting QR code, the code will be generated in the right upper corner (see the screenshot below). The exported file or picture of the QR code should be sent by email to DIPOL's Technical Department. The return email will contain a file or special code. In the latter case, the suitable option is to select Input Key (7) and paste the code. The former case requires Import File option and indicating the path to the file (7). After performing the preceding steps, it is enough to enter a New Password and Confirm Password for the admin account, and once more confirm all the data with the Confirm button. If the device for which the password is being restored is an NVR, the selection of the Reset Network Cameras' Passwords (7) option will change the password for all cameras that have previously been added to the NVR to the new one.
Notice!

After exporting the file, the device must be left switched on until the completion of all operations. It is not allowed to export a new file before resetting the password. If any of the above conditions is not fulfilled, the return code or unlocking file will not work.
"Reset Password" window in "Export/Import Secret Key Mode" option
2. Resetting password in GUID Mode.
The GUID option of password recovery is available in some firmware versions. If the installer or user has previously exported such a file, they have to select GUID Mode and specify the path to the file. After entering and confirming a new password and clicking Confirm button, the new password will be set in the NVR. By ticking Reset Network Cameras' Passwords, the password for all cameras that have previously been added to the DVR will be changed to the new one.
"Reset Password" window in "GUID Mode" option
3. Resetting password with security questions.
The "Security Question Mode" is available in some firmware versions. If the installer or user has previously set security questions and answers, they have to select Security Question Mode, enter the correct answers to the listed questions, enter a new password and confirm it. After clicking Confirm button, the new password will be set in the NVR. By ticking Reset Network Cameras' Passwords, the password for all cameras that have previously been added to the DVR will be changed to the new one.