e-Mac how do I boot up without password?

Question

Paulfhannan Author

Level 1

11 points

e-Mac how do I boot up without password?

I just got a e-mac, but don't have the install disc, but want to get in without password, how can I do it?

Macbook Pro 2.4 Ghz/, Mac OS X (10.5.8), Mac Mini 1.25 GHz G4 - iMac 500 OS 9.2.2

Posted on Jan 22, 2011 2:11 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 9

77,158 points

Jan 22, 2011 2:17 PM in response to Paulfhannan

Hi Paul

If you obtained the iMac legally, then surely the previous owner will have the original install disks or password, no?

Dennis

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Answer 2

WZZZ

Level 6

13,220 points

Jan 22, 2011 2:17 PM in response to Paulfhannan

http://gigaom.com/apple/reset-os-x-password-without-an-os-x-cd/

You should call Apple with the serial number and get the original discs for the computer. You will need them. The charge is usually modest.

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,532 points

Jan 22, 2011 2:19 PM in response to Paulfhannan

Well a couple of things, first this is an iMac forum not an eMac forum. Next is you cannot login unless you have the install disc. You should contact the seller to get the disc or contact Apple who can replace them for a nominal charge. The eMac forum is at:

http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=

Roger

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Answer 4

WZZZ

Level 6

13,220 points

Jan 22, 2011 2:22 PM in response to Paulfhannan

Since you can't get in at all, then use this method:

http://www.macyourself.com/2009/08/03/how-to-reset-your-mac-os-x-password-withou t-an-installer-disc/

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Answer 5

Paulfhannan Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 23, 2011 8:57 AM in response to WZZZ

I used the method you recomended, now unable to install, and freezes in the install process

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Answer 6

WZZZ

Level 6

13,220 points

Jan 23, 2011 9:47 AM in response to Paulfhannan

This is now a new issue. Were you able to get in? Wasn't there an OS on the computer already? What are you trying to do now? What are you installing and from what disc? Need some details.

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Answer 7

Paulfhannan Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 23, 2011 10:11 AM in response to WZZZ

Ok, I was given the e-mac by a friend that had it password protected, but she hasn't used it in quite a while, and forgot the password. It had Leopard installed.

On here it was suggested to reset the Leopard password by doing the Command+S and typing in language at the prompts, thats where all started to go wrong.

when I rebooted the "Welcome to Mac" came on,and as I attempted to configure, the puter continued to freeze up.

Is it possible when I went into
"launchctl load/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist"
That could have screwed everything up?
after restarting a few times I was able to get to the disc utility, and did repairs, frooze there too.
I then installed the 10.3 restore and still have issues in freezing.but the apps; iphoto, itunes,and installed appleworks allthem work, safari froze up.

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Answer 8

WZZZ

Level 6

13,220 points

Jan 23, 2011 11:08 AM in response to Paulfhannan

I then installed the 10.3 restore and still have issues in freezing.but the apps; iphoto, itunes,and installed appleworks allthem work, safari froze up.

1. Please describe how you "installed the 10.3 restore?" Did you first erase the 10.5 that you say was already there?

2. Describe exactly what is happening when you say you "still have issues in freezing?"

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Answer 9

Paulfhannan Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 23, 2011 11:10 AM in response to WZZZ

Didn't erase 10.5 because couldn't get into it to erase it

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Answer 10

WZZZ

Level 6

13,220 points

Jan 23, 2011 11:29 AM in response to Paulfhannan

I then installed the 10.3 restore and still have issues in freezing.but the apps; iphoto, itunes,and installed appleworks allthem work, safari froze up.

Didn't erase 10.5 because couldn't get into it to erase it

You wrote you installed the 10.3 restore and " iphoto, itunes,and installed appleworks" _all work_. Then you say you "didn't erase 10.5 because you "couldn't get into it to erase it." If you couldn't get into it, how is it possible those apps are working? I really don't have a clear idea what you did or what is happening right now.

I think you should post your question on the emac forum. Maybe someone there will be able to help.

http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=951

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Answer 11

Paulfhannan Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 23, 2011 11:30 AM in response to WZZZ

I agree how is it possible, but i have seen it all since my first apple in 1988.

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Answer 12

Paulfhannan Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 23, 2011 11:34 AM in response to WZZZ

in the e-mac forum, one said; A fair number of USB 2.0 eMacs with 1.0G and 1.25 G processors have a near-fatal logic board issue that usually requires a logic board replacement.
think that is my problem?

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Answer 13

Paulfhannan Author

Level 1

11 points

Jan 26, 2011 5:27 AM in response to Paulfhannan

My emac appears to have a hardware problem.

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