Admin password reset without the original osX disks

Here's one method to reset the password without the install disc:

1. boot computer and hold the "apple" key and the "s" key.
2. wait for terminal show
3. release keys
4. type without the quotes: "/sbin/mount -uaw"
5. press enter
6. type without the quotes: "rm /var/db/.applesetupdone
7. press enter
8. type without the quotes: "reboot"
9. press enter

This will let you create a new admin account when you reboot your computer.

Also, without the discs, look at Mac OS X Tip - No Password, No Root, No CD? No Problem.
http://www.macobserver.com/tip/2003/06/16.1.shtml

 Cheers, Tom 😉

I'm having the same issue. I started up by holding down the "apple" and "s" keys, and after a string of text it said:
"If you want to make modifications to files, run '/sbin/fsck -y' first then '/sbin/mount -uw /'
localhost:/ root"
When I type in '/sbin/fsck -y' it returns:
**'dev/rdisk 0s9
** Root file system
** Checking HFS Plus volume
fsck_hfs: Volume is journaled. No checking performed
fsck_hfs: Use the -f option to force check.

When I type in /sbin/fsck -f it returns, after various test the line:
The volume Macintosh HD appears to be OK
localhost:/ root

When I type in 'sbin/mount -uw /' it returns:
localhost:/ root

When I type in 'rm/var/db/.applesetupdone', it returns:

'-sh rm rm/var/db/.applesetupdone: no such file on directory'.

When I re-boot, it's the same old admin profile.

Are there other options I can explore? I don't have the original OS X 10.3 disks. Thanks.

'rm/var/db/.applesetupdone'

rm /var/db/.applesetupdone

--------

Get the Mac to set up an additional administrative account. You can then change the password on your old account.

Start with your computer power off. Hold down command-s. Power on your computer.

Type in the following:

The first two commands will depend on your release of Mac OS X. Looked at what is typed out in the console to determine the exact format.
# Type the follow two instructions to access the startup disk in read/write. Press return after each command.
/sbin/fsck -fy
/sbin/mount -uw /

cd /var/db
pwd
#List all files. The l is a lower case L.
ls -a
#The move command acts as a rename command in this format.
mv -i .applesetupdone .applesetupdone.old

reboot

Once you've done that the computer reboots and it's like the first time you used the machine. Your old accounts are all safe. From there you just change all other account passwords in the account preferences!!
Limnos adds detailed explainations:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8441597#8441597

The above the idea came from a post by JoseAranda at September 9, 2006 3:48 AM
http://www.askdavetaylor.com/howdo_i_reset_my_mac_os_x_admin_rootpassword.html
You will need to scroll down to see this post. Search for applesetupdone

Or see:
http://superpixel.ch/articles/running-setup-assistant-again/


Once you have a new administrative account, you can change the password of your old administrative account
blue apple > System Preferences > Accounts

Hi Don,

You will need to purchase retail 10.3 Panther install disks.

See: Mac OS X: Changing or resetting an account password

hope that helps some,

littleshoulders 🙂

Hey, will this cause all the files under the original admin account to be lost, cos we dont want that to happen? Will the files on there be safe?