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User profile for user: Tracymay
Tracymay Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Forgot Login Password

I bought this iMac desktop in 2004, and the last update I could do on it was probably around 2012? I'm not positive sure what the last OS update was for....Snow Leopard, Mountain Lion or what. That being said, I'm trying to get some old files off of it, and I haven't turned it on or logged in for several years.


I can't get past the password bar so I can't look at Disk Utility, Preferences or anything like that. I have tried turning it on while holding Command + R, and it just goes back to login password which I don't know. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Posted on Nov 29, 2019 2:52 PM

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
60,332 points

Posted on Dec 1, 2019 6:47 PM

If you upgraded to Snow Leopard, then you need to boot from the Snow Leopard install DVD. I believe once the DVD boots there should be a password reset option on the Tools or Utilities menu.


For later versions of macOS see if these instructions help:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202860


What is the exact model of your iMac? You can get this information by entering your system serial number here.

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
60,332 points

Dec 1, 2019 6:47 PM in response to Tracymay

If you upgraded to Snow Leopard, then you need to boot from the Snow Leopard install DVD. I believe once the DVD boots there should be a password reset option on the Tools or Utilities menu.


For later versions of macOS see if these instructions help:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202860


What is the exact model of your iMac? You can get this information by entering your system serial number here.

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Forgot Login Password

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