Need help with a iMac password reset problem High Sierra

Hey Jeffrey Welch,

We'd recommend reviewing the information in this article as it provides your options for resetting your Mac login password: If you forgot your Mac login password

"Option 1: Restart and show password options

1. If you see the option to restart and show password reset options, click it to restart your Mac. Then take one of these steps:

• Sign in with your Apple ID, if asked. You might also be asked to enter the verification code sent to your other devices.
• Enter your FileVault recovery key, if asked. It's the long string of letters and numbers you received when you turned on FileVault and chose to create a recovery key instead of allowing your iCloud account (Apple ID) to unlock your disk.

1. Select a user that you want to reset the password for, then click Next.
2. Enter your new password information, then click Next. 
3. When the password reset is completed, click Restart.

Option 2: Reset using your Apple ID

1. If you see the option to reset using your Apple ID, click it.

• If your Mac restarts, follow the steps for option 1, above.
• If your Mac doesn't restart, but immediately asks for your Apple ID, enter that information and click Reset Password.

1. If you're asked to create a new keychain to store the user's passwords, click OK to restart your Mac.
2. If you're asked to select an admin user you know the password for, click “Forgot all passwords?”.
3. If you see a Reset Password window with the option to Deactivate Mac, click Deactivate Mac, then click Deactivate to confirm. This is temporary.
4. Enter your new password information, then click Next.
5. If this window shows multiple user accounts, click the Set Password button next to each account name, then enter the new password information for each account.
6. When the password reset is completed, click Restart.

Option 3: Reset using your recovery key

1. Click the option to reset using your recovery key.
2. Enter your FileVault recovery key. It's the long string of letters and numbers you received when you turned on FileVault and chose to create a recovery key instead of allowing your iCloud account (Apple ID) to unlock your disk.
3. Enter your new password information, then click Reset Password."

Thanks!

Jeffrey Welch,

We understand that you're currently unable to reset your password. To potentially resolve this behavior we recommend selecting the Wi-Fi icon and connecting to a new network. You can join a public or hidden network by following these steps: Connect your Mac to the internet using Wi-Fi

"Join a public Wi-Fi network

1. On your Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon  in the menu bar, then choose the network you want to join.
2. If you don’t see the network you want to join, click Other Networks to display nearby networks.
3. If requested, enter the password for the network, then click Join.

Join a hidden Wi-Fi network

You need to know the hidden network’s name, security protocol, and password to join it.

1. On your Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon  in the menu bar, click Other Networks, then click Other at the bottom of the Other Networks list.
2. Enter the name of the wireless network in the Network Name field.
3. Click the Security pop-up menu, then choose the type of wireless security the network uses.
4. Enter the information for any additional fields that are displayed, such as a user name and password, then click Join."

Cheers!

Thanks for sticking with us Jeffrey Welch. It’s appreciated.

Let’s see if restarting your Mac in safe mode allows you to select your Wi-Fi network. Here’s how: How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Intel processor

1. Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key as your Mac starts up.

2. Release the key when you see the login window, then log in to your Mac. 

3. You might be asked to log in again. On either the first or second login window, you should see ”Safe Boot” in the upper-right corner of the window.

We want you to be aware that restarting in safe mode may take a bit longer than usual since it prevents some software from loading and does a check of your startup disk. You may also see some graphic anomalies on your screen as well.

If you’re able to select your Wi-Fi network while in safe mode, see if it’s still connected or you can select it again after restarting normally.

If you’re still unable to select your Wi-Fi network, we recommend contacting Apple Support for further help: Get Support

All the best.