I can't download any new software or make any changes on my computer because that requires an administrator name and password. Somehow, I am only a standard user on my computer and I am the only account on the computer (besides system administrator (root). I've used my install disc multiple times to change my password, but that doesn't work when I enter my user name and the new password when the computer asks for an administrator name and password. It just says password is invalid and administrator name and password is required. any warranty and technical support has expired and I'm at a loss at what to do. I really need to download new software and need to somehow recover the original administrator name and password and change my standard user account to an administrator account. I'd appreciate any help or advice!
wow, thanks so much! I've had this problem for quite some time - what a relief! I have just one more question, maybe you could help? Whenever I try to open Safari, it asks for my keychain password. I enter the same password as my login password, but it says its invalid. I haven't tried to open any other programs yet, but I have a feeling it's going to ask for my keychain password for all of them. Do you know how to change the keychain password? Thanks!
It's not exactly the same issue, but see if this is helpful:
*Mac OS X: Keychain Access asks for keychain "login" after changing login password*
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1631
You may end up having to delete your current keychain as per the second part of the article. The system should then make a new, empty login keychain the next time you log in.
I also have no idea what's the administrator name and password (which is me). If I reinstall the disk, will it wipe out everything I currently have on my computer?
Your situation isn't clear. If you are asking about an Apple product you should change your profile to reflect this, and then start your own thread, providing more details. If you are running Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) and have a question about a user account, go to this page:
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=1220 and click on "Post New Topic"