please halp me h4x0r my girlfriend MacZ0r, lolz!11

Man - thank you so much. I've been pulling my hair out trying to bypass the PW. The:

/sbin/fsck -y [Enter]
/sbin/mount -uaw [Enter]
rm /var/db/.applesetupdone [Enter]
reboot [Enter]

worked like a charm. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a similair problem. I have had an old imac G4 lying around that used to belong to my sister. I've decided to sell it to a friend, but I dont know the password, and neither does she. This mac is running OS 10.2.3, and I dont have the original install disc. I do have a leopard install disk though. Would I be able to use the same instructions you provided in this case?
Thanks alot!

hay dave i am a new mac person, how do i remove unwanted programs from the machine?

password suppurt

I want to say that I am forever in debt to you guys on this site especially "JoseAranda" for putting this code which worked to perfection!

[Hey Davo I was having the same problem as you but then I realized i wasnt putting a space after rm

but this one reset the password it will just create a new account for you but you can still see the other admin under accounts but I guess it doesnt really matter.

here it is again. THIS REALLY WORKS!!!!

/sbin/fsck -y [Enter]
/sbin/mount -uaw [Enter]
rm /var/db/.applesetupdone [Enter]
reboot [Enter]

again make sure you use space after /fsck then space again after /mount and finally space again after rm then just type reboot [enter] then mac osx will take you to making a new profile prosses.]

Thanks again JoseAranda!!! YOU ARE AWESOME!

wow, if it wasnt for mr jose arana up there i would be screwed. I tried everything i possibly could, and I have a raid controller with a mac pro.... what a nightmare. my mac is such an awesome machine but apple as a company needs to do a better job of having Only techies help techies!

I tried with Installation CD as mentioned at apple support website,indeed I changed password but when attempting to add more users it says invalid password even though I changed at installation cd setup.I totally gave up until I came across this website and tried the other method i.e command s and it worked like a charm,thanks to Jose Aranda

hii,
i have a problem resetting my adminstrator password and when i put in the mac os x cd to and try restarting for the cd it needs a password. so i just turned the system off then back on and the cd was still inside and i held the c button while the system boots but it would eject my cd before it finshes restarting. what can i do please help..

Hi Dave

I forgot my window vista password and i dont have a disk or the cd to get it going again.

is there a way to get past this.

respectfully

william

I am having a problem resetting my password. I cannot remember it. I was attempting to hear the governor's state address but was unsuccessful. I was asked to enter administrator's name and password. I have no info on that. Please help me

I have a g4 with old Osx 1.2.2 or something like that. I have been running it in clasic environment because of the software I was using. Tonite it states freezing up and finally it won't boot up. When I boot up, It goes to grey screen and nothing happens. No smiley face like usual, no folder icon, no nothing. Just grey screen. Plese help. Thanks so much.

Hi, Used JoseAranda's method on an iBook G3, have to say that this is the most response I've gotten out of any method posted to reset pass..HOWEVER... it is creating my account...2 HOURS RUNNING!!! Is this normal? I wouldn't think so..any suggestions? Thanks..

Thanks again JoseAranda!!! YOU ARE AWESOME!

My macbook is working again.

Jose Aranda, you must be the one :D
Your solution works sucessfully....thank you so much.

Hi Jose Aranda,

i wanted to ask if You could help me with this problem.
My Mac powerbook G4 has lost all visiblity on the scree, it stays completely white, so i have since connected an external monitor screen to work with it which isnt a problem, since everything is still functioning minus the screen.

However, after i asked someone to take a look at it, they returned it to me, and when i start it up it asks for the administrator password, which after i proceed to put it in, still wont give me access.
i want to try Your tip of Commnad- S on restart and then,
/sbin/fsck -y [Enter]
/sbin/mount -uaw [Enter]
rm /var/db/.applesetupdone [Enter]
reboot [Enter]

BUT, because the screen is white i cant see anything, and nothing shows up on the external monitor either after putting in the command-s.

Is there any way of being able to see it on the external monitor so i can put in the /sbin/fsck -y [Enter]
/sbin/mount -uaw [Enter]
rm /var/db/.applesetupdone [Enter]
reboot [Enter]

Thanks,
appreciate it

awesome! Jose's method worked on my macbook today! Thanks SO much

hii,
i have a problem resetting my adminstrator password and when i put in the mac os x cd to and try restarting for the cd it needs a password. so i just turned the system off then back on and the cd was still inside and i held the c button while the system boots but it would eject my cd before it finshes restarting. what can i do please help..

I have about 200 MacBooks in now and I have the admin password from the client that gave them to us. However i need to clear the password to where it does NOT ask for one. When i put in the pass i have it allows me to change the pass. I leave both blank but it tells me i have to have at least 1 character for a pass. I DONT WANT A PASS ON THESE. Help please.

To Kevin with the 200 MacBooks in. If you don't want a password on any of these just give them a quick password then login and go to system preferences > Accounts > (you may need to unlock this window using password) then click on "Login Options" at bottom left of screen. At the top of that screen it should say something "Automatic Login: Disabled" now simply click on the user name and from then on you will log in automatically. TA DA! Hope it helped.

Hi all

I just did what JoseAranda told us and it didn´t work at first. I found another way to configure it. After deleting the .AppleSetupDone I rebooted and it didn´t prompt me of any root passwd change. I boot normally and had all working fine but not .AppleSetupDone database locate on my imac. I start a terminal and typed as a single User:

sudo passwd root

it prompted me to change the root password as no root password was found. I just typed what I wanted and bingo... I have root privileges.

here it is again. THIS REALLY WORKS!!!!

/sbin/fsck -y [Enter]
/sbin/mount -uaw [Enter]
rm /var/db/.applesetupdone [Enter]
reboot [Enter]

I do not know or understand what .AppleSetupDone file was storing. I suppose that it had the root password on it, as I could change it. Does any body could tell me what´s it for? Could other people attack using the same steps I did to liberate my imac?

Cheers

how do i reset my admin passowrd when windows xp boots up first on my macbook? i hit command s and it gives me the option for os or windows but i cant get into mac bios???

Hello all,
Thank you to Jose, it does work to get an admin account. However, I have a slightly different problem. I am trying to access my account on my Macbook Pro that I had enabled FileVault on, and forgot the password, and also the login password, which I thought was the same as the FileVault password (but appears is not the case) I have now been able to create a new Admin account, but, I am still unable to access the data on my old account (I get the little red checkmark, or whatever it is, on the accounts' name, and when I click on the account under Users, I get the dialog telling me that I do not have the rights to access that data. Help! If anyone knows how to get around this, it would be great. Basically, I need the "Master" password, the one that I entered when I enabled FileVault. Any help is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

I have tried all you suggest to no avail. When I hold down the command-S (I assume the command key and the S key at the same time) it simply boots normally. I get no screen that allows me to even enter the commands above. Please help.

mac i bookG4. sreen display pad lock. what i should do? any password? please help me.

hey I wanna find out my adm name and password too. BUT i want to keep all my files-- wil doing erase all of my files?

IN ORDER TO RESET THE PASSWORD, YOU GOTTA HAVE THE OLD ONE, OR GOOD LUCK RESETTING ANY PASSWORD.. REGARDLESS HOW YOU DO IT, EVEN "BEST BUY"COULDN'T FIX THAT PART FOR ME. I'M SCREWED.

well too reset a mac password there is a way you can do it in single user mode. search google for how to hack a mac password.

I purchased a used Macbook on ebay recently, but the bloke never gave me password and username (username comes up on things as Macbook User). I need to update itunes, etc, but it won't allow me. Have tried to use my password and user name for the itunes I had on my PC and for my new iMac, but no luck. Is there some generic password I can use, or is there any easy way around this if the guy doesn't get back to me with the info needed.

Thanks

Long time ago , I confronted with the similar problem. Finally , my friend Jane introduce the Windows password Reset 6.0.It help me access windows.It's great!

so i have a mac mini my father gave to me. i basically want to keep the family photos and his music because i like it. i just would like to change the password to my own and the user name and create another account for my brother, if i try JoseAranda method, would that erase all the files in the mac mini?? and would i be able to change the user name and not just the password?

and btw, i'm using a windows keyboard, so which one is command-c on the windows keyboard?

Just hold down the c button while ur booting up the computer thats it bypass mr password!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

/sbin/fsck -y [Enter]
/sbin/mount -uaw [Enter]
rm /var/db/.applesetupdone [Enter]
reboot [Enter]

This works but all network setting will be gone, unless you know your network setting if not you are SOL. Also if you are on a managed domain. Your rights and group membership within that domain will be messed up.

Hint hint
Dont do this to a work computer. . . there are other ways to do this. .

I'm not computer savvy at all...if I'm going to install the Mac OS X how do I know whether to install a tiger or a panther? please help. thank-you.

Pravina, you want to install the very latest version of the OS unless you have an old computer that can't handle it. The current as of this note is Leopard, though Apple is reputed to be introducing "Snow Leopard" next week (mid-June, 2009) at the Worldwide Developers Conference.

You guys are such liars :| It's clear you are all clueless none of you are unix admins and you don't have the guts to just admit it :( so instead you give bullsh*t advice.

General steps to reset any unix machine's local root password apple included:

1- Run single use mode. In this case hold down apple+s as you are rebooting.

2- mount your partitions

3- chroot to the real root partition

4- go to /etc

5- vi shadow

6- find root entry

7- delete the stuff that is the password.
so for example:

root:asdfasfdfw3efs:10063:0:99999:7:::

will be changed to :
root::10063:0:99999:7:::

8- save

9 reboot

10 login as root.

11 change password immediately.

12. done.

That's all. How disgusting!! you are just a bunch of posers :(

If you are using a non-standard authentication like NIS or LDAP this will not work. This is for resetting local root only. I'm assuming no open firmware password. If that is set; That too can be hacked. But you can't do it if you don't know something as resetting a simple root. Find a white haired Sun Admin and ask him to please help you. Apples firmware is essentially as Sun's. It's based on Forth. Now go away.

Guys you are too much i was trying to remove the login password and everything is fine. keep the good work up.

hi,

I need help!! i forgot my password , and my mac doesnt let me log in without it. Can You help me please :(

Thank you

This is to therealunixadmin. Could you go step by step on the password reset, I am new to mac os x, and I am trying to change the old password of a computer given to me. I already tried jose aranda's method in single user mode, but when creating a new account, I get a Sorry, an unexpected error has occured. [Local account creation failed] *** -[NSCFArray objectAtIndex:]: index (2)beyond bounds(0)Can you, or someone please help?? Thanks in advance.

HERE IS WHAT I'VE TRIED WITH NO SUCCESS:

1. Pressing the "C" at startup with osx
v 10.2 and v 10.3.5. install cd's.
2. Pressing control-S
2. Holding down the start button for 5 to 10
seconds and pressing it again.

If anybody can help me out I would really welcome it. Thanks

Hi! I was hoping you could help me out.

I lost my admin password of my Powerbook G4, so I used:

mount -uw /
rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
shutdown -h now

to remove the old admin account so i could create a new one. This worked perfectly in just one try. But when i have to fill in my data (Apple ID, name, address, etc.) the keyboard is disabled! It just makes this annoying sound when i press any key. Without entering your data you obviously can’t continue registration.

The keys do work untill that introduction clip starts.

Help would be very much appreciated, since my laptop is useless this way.!

i have a powerbook g3 and i forgot my password and so i tried to install the cd from a second account i created. but when i click install a sign comes up and says "installation cannot occur while logged in as a non owner. please log in with owner privileges" help? plz

my CD drive is broken, is there another way to change the admin password on a powerbook other than booting from the Installer disk? Is there a way to do this from another mac, PC or USB device?

Here's my Problem. I can log into my Macbook Pro using the local admin account without a problem. But when it comes time to deal with an administrative task,(i.e unlock the padlock), and I get prompted to input the password, the password fails. This account is THE admin account... ...first and only admin account.

any ideas as to why this may have happened and what I can do about it? ...without having to rebuild the box...

With access to the Mac OS X single user mode, you can create a new administration-level user account without entering a current administrative password. This process is useful for technical support and troubleshooting, but it does have important security implications.

The following process should be used only as a last resort, when none of the administrator-level accounts on the computer are functional. If you are providing technical support, you should only create a new administrator account in this manner if you have permission from the computer&rsquos owner or system administrator.

In most cases, you can do what is necessary using an existing administrator account. You may need to Change your Mac OS X account password in System Preferences. Or, if the password is not known or forgotten, you can Change a forgotten Mac OS X account password by starting up from any Mac OS X install disc.

Note: Being able to start up a computer in this way and create a new administrator user is a security risk. If you want to prevent the computer from starting up in single user mode or from a Mac OS X install disc, you should enable an Open Firmware password on the computer.
Restart the computer in Mac OS X single user mode by holding Command-S at startup.
Mount the computer's drive for read/write access. To do so, type the following command at the command prompt, and then press Enter:

% mount -uw /

Remove the file that identifies that the initial run of the "Mac OS X Setup Assistant" has been completed, with this command at the command prompt, followed by Enter:

% rm /var/db/.applesetupdone

Restart the computer by entering this command, followed by Enter.

% reboot

The Mac OS X Setup Assistant screen should appear after the reboot, just as it does when you start up a brand new computer or upgrade to a new version of Mac OS X.
Create a new user account with the Setup Assistant. Be sure to name this user something different than the admin user that already exists on the system, and use a strong password (see "Mac OS X password tips"). At the end of the Setup Assistant process, the system will automatically log into this new user account. The account will have a unique ID (UID) that is one higher than the last user that was on the system, and will have all administration privileges.
We strongly recommend that you delete the new administrator account in the System Preferences application, once you have done what you need to do with it and it is no longer needed.

This forum is the best.
It helped me a lot.
I have a Maccbook. I bought it in crack list.
When i turned it on i saw a question mark.
I olso tried to boot it from a cd, but it didn't work.
Any help please

i bought a PowerPC G4 (2.1) with the following specs and i cant get the administator password so please help me.

Machine Name: Power Mac G4
Machine Model:PowerMac3,6
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (2.1)

I have tried all the suggestions and nothing has worked, except that I now can't get the keyboard commands to work and the start up sound isn't there anymore, it just keeps booting to the password screen. Any suggestions? Cheers.

well i tried d lil method thing and at the end it asked me did i wanna do sum and i put yes and now i got a whole bunch o y's strolling up and dwn d screen someone please help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"/sbin/fsck -y [Enter]
/sbin/mount -uaw [Enter]
rm /var/db/.applesetupdone [Enter]
reboot [Enter]"

Your the man, worked a treat!!! THANK YOU!!!

I bought a macbook with Leo. 10.5.7. I don't know the password, however every time I reboot and hold down Comand S, the login screen starts up as normal? Is there any other way, and also, when I try to type a password, some keys repeat itself twice.

Any Advice?

Thanks

I tried the procedure as described, and changed the root password. However, at the end there is a warning about usign Keychain Access to unlock the password for the login keychain, which leaves me stumped. Also, when issuing a command that is prefixed by 'sudo', I'm still out of luck. I even set the root password to something recklessly simple, so that typos don't have a chance.
What am I doing wrong? What do I have to do with Keychain Access?

Hi, i did the following to reset my password.
Ihave anew desktop and it looks like all my files were saved but my itunes music is gone or i cannot find it. can anyone please help!!??
thanks
eric

1. Boot into single user mode (press Command-S at power on)
2. Type fsck -fy
3. Type mount -uw /
4. Type launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
5. Type dscl . -passwd /Users/username password, replacing username with the targeted user and password with the desired password.
6. Reboot

This allows you to reset the password in single user mode without booting from the install media.

hi.
I bought a macbook air for only $400..i found out that it was stolen...I tried to find the owner with no luck....I do not trust apple peole..they will take it..I know someone who works there and told me that..anyway..I need a password for my computer..I could not figure it out...
any help please??????

/sbin/fsck -y [Enter]
/sbin/mount -uaw [Enter]
rm /var/db/.applesetupdone [Enter]
reboot [Enter]

works great thankyou

Dear Maggie,
Thank you soooo much..
it did work....
you are the best.

thanks again for your time and your help.

Ok I power up, imm hold the "Apple Key" and the "S" key down
A blank screen comes up I continue to hold for 30 seconds still blank. I let go of keys still blank after 3 minutes

I have my G4 Titanium
Mac OSx 10.4.11

What am I doing wrong

Thnaks,

Drew

Im not sure what u mean by pressing the C buttom? do u mean the letter C on my keyboard...i must sound very stupid but this is my first mac book pro ever,i have the installation cd!but when i press the install mac os x buttom it requires former administration password wich i dont have have.so I press C and nothing happens just making a drumming sound!i have read all the advices given upon and am still confused and i also restarted the comp by using regular main switch while cd was still installed holding down the C button and no changes

Fiona, you're right: hold down the "C" key on your keyboard during the boot process. If you have a bootable CDROM in your computer, it'll try to boot off that before it looks at your hard drive.

Now that I have been able to setup the root access, I want to erase the "other" login icon at my os x startup screen... how do I do that?

hello,
I'm experiencing this problem with my macbook. I'm trying to install Mac OSX Leopard but it says that it cannot be installed on this computer! the dvds are original and I erased the hard drive before trying to install it. Please, I need some help here! I thought it would be much easier! thank u

Thank you so much JoseAranda! Your solution worked like a charm :) . I was able to reset the admin password on a MacBook Air Mac OS X version 10.5 without any problems.

im just saying, this conversation has been going on for 3 years haha

I just followed the steps of resetting the password and it worked but now ALL my files are gone. i have NO music. microsoft word is gone, iworks is gone, and all my photos. please HELP me now i need these files back asap. im pissed

That's an odd outcome. What you might have done is somehow ended up creating a new user account. Go to /Users (or, in the Finder, go to your home directory, then go UP one level in the file system) and look to see if there are any other accounts. Good luck.

Hi Dave,

when i start my ibook G4 it comes on with apple then goes to a black screen that say /etc/master.passwd: No such file or directory

I was told to type in sbin/fsck -fy and it did all these checks finally saying 'the volume seems to be ok. ad then has -sh-2.05b# and was told to type exit /:root# and nothing happened. I have also tried holding down shift button, holding down opt, cmd and a + v, and holding down cmd and alt, then holding down . and s and still no luck, any ideas?

working perfect ..!

mac os x 10.5.4
/sbin/fsck -fy (enter)
/sbin/mount -uaw (enter)
passwd (enter)
enter new password (exemp:didi) and retype password (didi)then.
exit (enter)

when systeme run, reboot whith closing session admin (menu apple)and
you chose run (othre user)
type in case user: root
type in case pswd: (your new password: didi)

will systeme run go in preference system(menu apple), users
now reset any password admin.

excuse my english

I followed Josés steps. Everything seemed to work out properly until' I was in the last screen in which I had to type in my new username and password (twice). After providing the information and typing enter I got an error message saying:

[Local account creation failed]
[NOTE: this exception originated in the server.]
*** [NSPathStore2 rangeOfString:options:range:]: nil argument

Does anyone know whether this has anything to do with the fact that my root disk was turned into "read only" while following Josés steps?
If not the case: what should I do to get my 4-year-old macbook going again?

PS: I use Mac OS 1.04 Tiger. Preferably don't wanna buy cd-roms and such again

To change your password on the Mac Pro Desktop box using your installation disk do the following:

1. Insert Disk
2. Shutdown your computer
3. Turn on the computer
4. Hold down the "C" key and keep holding until you see the "Pre-loader" icon spinning. (This will then make the computer boot up from the Install CD.)
5. Select your language then click next
6. HERE IS THE IMPORTANT PART *** Looking at the top of the main window (not the installation window) to the right of the Apple Icon select "UTILITIES" and then select the "Change Password" utility.

Change password and exit out of the Installation mode and restart your computer.

DONE DEAL!!!!!

DESPERATE! PLEASE HELP! Okay where have you guys been...I need a genius in a big way. This is a tough one (at least to me) hopefully someone here can help you guys all seem pretty damn smart. So I have a MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.4GHz Intel Core Duo about a year and a half old. About two months ago "someone" spilled water on it. I tried to save it and for the most part it was ok. Except I have some stuck keys and some that just dont work. At some point the admin password got changed and the keys were sticking so the new admin password is some random assortment of key inputs. So to top it off and make it even better my optical drive works about one out of every hundred times on restart dashing my hopes of an easy reboot/admin reset. So here is what I have...I bought a bluetooth keyboard which solves my key sticking problem and today I bought an external optical drive. HOWEVER I can only find at this time my LEOPARD install disk and not my original disk one system disk....disk two I have...of course. I would love to be able to keep all of my information if at all possible. Please...if there is anyone out there that can help I would be eternally greatful. I don't have to input the password when I start but I can't modify the applications directory so of course I can't add any new programs or upgrade any existing ones and that is getting to be a real drag. Is there hope?? Please????? Anyone??

rckseattle, there's no way around it, you need the original OS install disk. If you don't have one, ask around - you'd only need to borrow it for five minutes to reset your admin password to something you'd know. Don't forget to be doing good backups too, btw, because it sounds like you're livin' on the edge.

Dave....thanks for the reply, I may be able to round one up. So my Leopard install disk wont do the trick it has to be a system install disk but not necessarily my EXACT system? So I could use a system install disk from a Mac Book that was shipped with an earlier OS than Tiger? Then which method do I use...the Command + S process with fsck and all that? Also I have been reading about this method being something to definitely avoid if you have Firevault enabled? What if I have it enabled but not turned on? Will I be OK? I appreciate the help, this is more help than I have received since this happened. I am doing backups as much as I can but there are so many things I can't do with no Admin acess. One more thing...will the blue tooth keyboard work for a system boot such as this....in other words does it enable soon enough to make whatever keystrokes I need to start with be recognized? Would it be any easier if I had access to another Mac, specifically a Mac Book with install disks?

Hello I've got an imac and don't know the admin pass. I followed the instructions above. I forced shut-down, started with "c" key pressed with OS X in the drive, and got the install panel. I changed the password for the admin, then I accidentally started the install of the OS. I realized this, and forced shut-down the computer by holding the power button down. The install was in the process of checking the DVD before the install, so I don't think it started to install yet. Anyway, I ejected the OS X disk, and tried to start the computer, but all I get to is the blue screen with the Max OS X and the blue bar that shows progress loading...but the blue bar gets to the end and keeps going, and going...I never get the login page, it just hangs up. Any ideas?

Hi,
I had followed the CD method to reset my password, but unfirtunately by mistake i had pressed the install of the OS and after installation , Safari started acting weird, it just closes after a few seconds, can anyone help please

Hi, I stole a MacBook Pro with OS 10.6.2 installed. I don't know how to remove the old owners name off of it. Any help would be awesome. PS I'm only messing with ya. I bought it from Laptop Exchange and it's password was blank. I have to laugh at some of these peoples excuses for missing passwords.

Are there any of these tricks that work with an iMac? It's one of the first that had the computer built in with the monitor and I can't get any screen to pop up with either a disk selection or allowing me to use the Mac OS X disc to put a new password. It still goes to the login screen with the previous owner's name and asks for a password. I don't know what else to try. Thanks

Hello Dave, my problem is as follows:I'm in Germany and I met an American Deacon here who advertised some pcs and an old imac to give away so I picked up the imac. It's asking for a password and of course I had none to give it. Mr. Deacon is probably still enroute to USA and even if I coud reach him he'ds already told me he doesn't know anything about the imac except that it was all there. I have no disks or clues. I tried to apply the /sbin/fsck-y but to no avail. Either I just get a lot of Ss or it runs back to the question of the password. Do the words Linus, yellowdog, localhost and localdomain mean anything to you and if so, do they figure into my problem at all and if so, how? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Kevin

Tyler, Kevin, and others, remember that if you can't get any satisfaction, borrow an OS install disk, ideally for the exact version of Mac OS X you're running, start it up, then choose "Reset Admin Password" from the File menu instead of actually doing an install.

IF you change the amount of RAM in PowerBooks you can bypass the open firmware password for ONE boot. (The very next one.) :)

The you can run the following to make another root account in the OS.

/sbin/fsck -y [Enter]
/sbin/mount -uaw [Enter]
rm /var/db/.applesetupdone [Enter]
reboot [Enter]

Enjoy!

I have a G4 Quicksilver running OS 10.3.9. I did a routine change of my regular administrator's password which somehow was not recognized on the next boot. I then used the "Mac" method of using the installation disc to change the administrator's password only to find my administrator account GONE with only my restricted users left remaining on next reboot. I need to re-set my administrator's password in such a way that I can re-access my files which remain on my hard disc. Can I use JoseAranda's method to do this? Thanks...

Hi!
Have just bought a mac with a retail OS 10.5 upgrade. Ran the upgrade and it made both users standard from admin. Arrgh.
Have tried all the above suggestions. I can't get it to boot from disc by holding C. It just boots from hard drive. Won't go to a bash prompt (in fact it ignores all key presses I try during boot - no errors or anything, just as if I wasn't pressing anything.
If I try to install OS, it requires password. Can't make any other changes as I don't have an admin account anymore.
I'm wondering if I have an open firmware password. If I have, I didn't set it, so not sure why!
Have tried using terminal to enter commands as above, but it tells me authentication failed (presumably as I don't have admin rights).
Can anyone suggest anything else I can try? I wish I'd stuck with 10.4! Or maybe even the PC!
Help!
Cheers,
Loz

Hello,

I did this:
Restart Computer hold down command (the apple sign) and press S. Untill black screen. Then Type
/sbin/fsck -y [Enter]
/sbin/mount -uaw [Enter]
rm /var/db/.applesetupdone [Enter]
reboot [Enter]
AND IT WORKED PERFECTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think you have to have the reinstallation cd in the computer for this to work. Not sure tho, try both ways
THANKS

Dave: You rock! Thanks a lot. You saved me hours of reinstall time.

When i restart my computer, and hold down [command] S it doesn't do anything. Someone please help.

So I forgot my admin password and found some instructions to create a new admin account (See below) I followed them and created a new account and deleted the old admin account. The problem is now when I restart my computer it keeps the new admin account but wipes any of the user preferences I have set up. ie. screen saver, Mail preferences, it deletes any word docs saved to the desktop, all preferences are wiped from the computer.
Can you help or suggest something?

1.REBOOT
2. COMMAND & S (AFTER YOU HERE THE CHIME)
3.AFTER TEXT PROMPT ENTER IN THESE TERMINAL COMMANDS (PRESS ENTER AFTER EACH LINE)

mount -w /
rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
shutdown -h now

Will that cause me to lose all my documents and videos and pictures?

JoseArandas's tip helped a lot. Thank you bud!!!

disk didnt work but josearanda work thanks

Hi i have an old 15" powerbook g4. yes i know it is old and not worth the effort but i still love it. its been my pride and joy for the last 5 years. but around christmas after finding out someone had been secretly using our wireless internet connection i decided to format my little baby. and as i was rather shocked in someone being able to hack into our wireless connection, i made a point of creating an awesome password ( symbols and all!) now i did write it down on paper,as busy during the jolly season one week later i went to continue re-building my powerbook and was unable to log in. my password was 33 characs long according to my 4am scribble.

this is the 2nd time i have forgotten my password. the first time was 3years ago, and when taken to apple for service, they told me to use Tiger Cd - PERFECT! but this time - it isn't booting from disc (same one as bfore - orignal).

i have been since told that i must have activated firmware protect or somthng. now my brother has unscrewed eveything, and we are trying to locate the battery on the mother board which retains all data - but we are still had no luck....

CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM??? THANKS SO MUCH

I know this question is completely redundant so my apologies, but I am not at all technologically proficient.

I own my Mac Book OS X 10.4.11, and so have all the CDs and such that came at the time of purchase.
I forgot my password and was locked out of my computer when trying to log in.

I performed the method from my apple, book, brochure, regarding-installing disk 1. I saw that was also recommended at the top of your list as well. I still had the problem of entering my password

I did the second suggestion, of Jose A, which worked to get me back into my computer, however, it has disabled my user functionality.

Meaning- I have access to applications that were installed before, yet I have to re-install them. Also, my photos, music, and documents, are all gone, as well as my bookmarks when I log on line.

I went into Finder and saw my old User Name but it has a red dash and is blocking my entry it states (no access).

If you already gave this answer I apologize and I am also incredibly thankful for any efforts or advise. I am deeply committed to becoming more computer literate.

If you forget your admin password - dont worry.
create a new admin account by doing this.
Can you help or suggest something?

1.REBOOT THE MACHINE
2.PRESS " COMMAND & S " (AFTER YOU HERE THE CHIME SOUND)
3.AFTER TEXT PROMPT ENTER IN THESE TERMINAL COMMANDS (PRESS ENTER AFTER EACH LINE)

Root: ls users
Root: mount -uw /
Root: passwd username
Root: new password
Root: re-enter new password
Root: reboot

That's it..............

This is my second email to you. The first one got knocked back because I sent too many???
Anyway, I have a g3 with a cd slot with a non-burning player in it. Iam running osx 2.0 and os9.1. Is it possible to burn a video to an usb stick and burn it on my windows machines. (xp, win7)? OR plug in a dvd multi and try that?
Thankyou.

Hi every one
how can I make restsrt from the keyboard to Imac?

There seems to be a confusion in terms here. What is described in the answer(s) to the original question was Administrator's password, and the first reply explained how to do this.

This answer, however, mentioned that in unix this was known as the "root", but you should be careful, because there is a drop-down menu on this set of screens, which gives you a prompt to "System Administrator(root)" which is definitely not the same thing.

What you can do, and these replies refer to that, is change the administrator's password (this is typically the user login ID of the person who set the Mac up, but it won't be the Mac's "System Administrator(root)".

See, for example, the information from Apple at the following:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274

Where, under the second paragraph (Resetting the original administrator password), bullet 5 has an important note on this.

Hope this helps and avoids any confusion/problems.

To take your screenshot of the install process, use your handy digital camera! ;)

This process will take about 5-10 minutes. If you have a password, or WEP code for your network or internet, be sure to have that at hand.
http://www.macpassword.com/mac-admin-hack.html

but when i click "restart" it's asking me the password i forgot. how am i supposed to restart without knowing the password?

Situation: I just received two Mac G5's from another division. They were at one time on an AD but have since been removed. The technicians that supported the Mac's are no longer with the company.

Problem: When booting up holding the Option key I come to a locked screen, if I hold the Command + s the system just boots up to the login page. The same also happens when holding the Command + c.

Question: How do I unlock the firmware password so that I can boot holding the Command + s, or even boot to CD to wipe the entire system and rebuild?

After further research I found this website which helps walk you thru enabling and disabling the firmware security.

http://www.securemac.com/openfirmwarepasswordprotection.php

I am now in the computer and back in the domain.

Hello. My mother uses my macbook sometimes and she tried to put a new admin name, and password. It was all fin untill she just forgot both the admin name and password. How do I recover this info or just undo this action?