AppleMan001

Q: How to reset an old eMac

Hello, so I recently bought an old eMac (2002) from a thrift shop. It works just fine, however the previous user did not reset the computer, so it is locked under the previous user's password. I would like to reinstall Mac OS X on it, but I cannot, dude to the password lock. Is there any way to get past this?

Thanks for your help

Mac OS X (10.4.11), eMac

Posted on May 16, 2014 1:50 PM

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Q: How to reset an old eMac

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  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy May 16, 2014 1:53 PM in response to AppleMan001
    Level 10 (270,928 points)
    Desktops
    May 16, 2014 1:53 PM in response to AppleMan001

    Are you referring to the login password or are you referring to the Firmware Password that is asked immediately at any attempt to startup the computer?

     

    Do you have any OS X software discs for the computer. You cannot start from scratch without them.

  • by AppleMan001,Solvedanswer

    AppleMan001 AppleMan001 May 16, 2014 2:57 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (135 points)
    May 16, 2014 2:57 PM in response to Kappy

    I don't think it has a firmware password, I am referring to the login password (it auto-logs in when I start it up, so I can have access to apps, disks, etc.)

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy May 16, 2014 3:09 PM in response to AppleMan001
    Level 10 (270,928 points)
    Desktops
    May 16, 2014 3:09 PM in response to AppleMan001

    You will need the installer DVD as I asked about earlier.

     

    1. Boot from the installer disc:

     

    Booting From An OS X Installer Disc

     

    1. Insert OS X Installer Disc into the optical drive.

      2. Restart the computer.

      3. Immediately after the chime press and hold down the "C" key.

      4. Release the key when the spinning gear below the dark gray Apple

          logo appears.

      5. Wait for installer to finish loading.

     

    2. Proceed to the point where you are asked to select a target disk. Click once on the disk, then click on the Options button. Select the Erase and Install option then click on the OK button.

     

    3. Continue with the installation procedure.

     

    When the computer restarts you will be able to create your own admin account.

  • by AppleMan001,

    AppleMan001 AppleMan001 May 16, 2014 5:25 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (135 points)
    May 16, 2014 5:25 PM in response to Kappy

    My reply didn't solve my question, I accidentally hit it. Is there any way I can modify the HD partion for my DMG?

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy May 16, 2014 5:29 PM in response to AppleMan001
    Level 10 (270,928 points)
    Desktops
    May 16, 2014 5:29 PM in response to AppleMan001

    No. You need to do what I outlined previously.

     

    To what DMG are you referring? Nor have you responded to the question about whether you have the installer DVDs that came with the computer.

  • by AppleMan001,

    AppleMan001 AppleMan001 May 16, 2014 8:40 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (135 points)
    May 16, 2014 8:40 PM in response to Kappy

    I have a dmg with an install for Mac OS X. Is there any way I could use this to restore the Mac?

    I am sorry if I didn't clarify but I am using my iPhone and I had to retune my last reply due to an internet connection error.

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy May 16, 2014 9:37 PM in response to AppleMan001
    Level 10 (270,928 points)
    Desktops
    May 16, 2014 9:37 PM in response to AppleMan001

    Such a disc image is illegal since Apple only distributed OS X on DVDs for such models as yours. You need to purchase discs for that specific model either from Apple, if they have them, or look on eBay or Amazon for legal copies.