How to find Administrator's Name

Question

Level 1

37 points

How to find Administrator's Name

On this G3 PowerBook, I have the proper password, but nothing we try is accepted as the name for the Administrator. I can't even restart the machine with the OS X disks because it first calls for permission with the Administrator's name. What could have gone wrong, and what can we do to determine the name or start all over with a new one? This condition has existed for several years now, but I am finally frustrated by all the things I cannot do (such as change the clock or add a new version of this or that software) without the Administrator name. What CAN be done? Thanks to you all.

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.3.x)

Posted on Oct 30, 2007 2:51 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 30, 2007 8:16 PM in response to martin Fass

If this is running 10.3, as listed in your equipment line, open the Users folder (at top level on the boot drive). The default is to name the folders for each user (including the admin) with the user's shortname.

If you are connected to a Server, this will be slightly different.

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Answer 2

jpl

Level 7

28,285 points

Oct 30, 2007 8:24 PM in response to martin Fass

martin,

Welcome to the Discussions.

You apparently have Open Firmware Password Protection enabled since it can prevent booting to an optical disk. The purpose of the firmware password is its greater security versus a software password; you can prevent the computer from starting up to any bootable volume plus preventing other types of attempted bypasses.

There is always the uncertainty of knowing whether the question asked is posted by the legitimate owner, so I always hesitate in providing a solution. If you are near an Apple Store or an authorized Apple service provider, they can remove the password.

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Answer 3

martin Fass Author

Level 1

37 points

Oct 31, 2007 10:06 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks very much for your message. I had already done this yesterday. In the Users folder it uses a shortname I tried, which did not work. Tried the full name as well. It appears I will have to visit a local Apple reseller per the second reply to my question. Thanks again to you.

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Answer 4

martin Fass Author

Level 1

37 points

Oct 31, 2007 10:11 AM in response to jpl

Thanks very much. I will call a local Apple reseller and see if they would be willing to assist me when I bring the PowerBook to their store. Thanks to you--

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