iMac Logon Issue: "Other" Account

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Level 1

6 points

iMac Logon Issue: "Other" Account

All, I've had an iMac for over 2 years now, never an issue, runs like a charm. Typically I do not turn it off, except to reboot every 30 days or so or when software updates require it. During a reboot today the logon screen came up with only one account name "Other". Usually the logon screen presents the 5 accounts I have set up (1 admin, the others standard). No amount of username / password combo will let me log into the "Other" account and I am at a loss for what to do. Obviously something changed, but I can't remember doing anything that would cause this.

Any ideas on what might have happened, and more importantly, how can I get back to logging on to my normal accounts? Right now I am completely locked out.

Thanks!

Jim

24" 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo / 4 GB 8 MHz DDR2 SDRAM00, Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on May 25, 2011 8:00 PM

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Answer 1

May 25, 2011 9:34 PM in response to imaginos

Somehow the "root" account was activated through the Directory Utility.

Start up with the System DVD, select English then go to the Menu to change the Admin Password.

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Answer 2

May 26, 2011 12:45 AM in response to imaginos

Username is 'root'. If you haven't set it yourself, try just leaving the password blank.

Then peruse this; http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1528

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Answer 3

imaginos Author

Level 1

6 points

May 26, 2011 5:07 AM in response to Tom Johnson

Thanks Tom and Witch,

A blank password does not work, so I'm assuming I set the root password at some point although I don't remember when, nor do I remember invoking the root account. However, since software doesn't usually arbitrarily change logon credentials and invoke other accounts, I'm assuming I did something to cause this at some point.

Is the System DVD you speak of the same as the installation disc? I am running Snow Leopard now, but upgraded from OSX. Would I use the Snow Leopard install disc or the previous OSX one? I'm assuming Snow Leopard disc at this point.

Thanks!

Jim

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Answer 4

May 26, 2011 5:16 AM in response to imaginos

Yes, the SL disc will be fine. Just accept the language on the first page, then go to the menu bar at the top of the screen and choose "change password" from the menu. I think it's the 'Tools' menu but it might be 'Utilities'. You only need to try each one to find it.

Once you're done, quit the installer and eject the disc.

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Answer 5

imaginos Author

Level 1

6 points

May 26, 2011 5:42 AM in response to noondaywitch

Witch,

I've tried booting with the Snow Leopard install DVD and the original OSX disc that came with the machine. The same logon screen comes up wanting the "Other" account username and password. I cannot get passed this screen and there doesn't appear to be any options to get to the disc or its menus/contents.

I must be missing something...any other suggestions?

Jim

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Answer 6

May 26, 2011 6:06 AM in response to imaginos

Just one thing before getting drastic; at the login screen, is there a 'back' button? If so, try that and see if it brings up the other accounts.

Failing that I think we may need a Unix geek to suggest something from Single-User mode.

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Answer 7

imaginos Author

Level 1

6 points

May 26, 2011 9:30 AM in response to noondaywitch

Unfortunately, the back button just takes me from logon screen to the logo to choose the "Other" account to sign in.

Jim

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Answer 8

May 26, 2011 10:12 AM in response to imaginos

This seems to be behaving more like an Open Firmware password than root. Has anyone other than you had access to the Mac?

From here, I'm afraid I need someone more versed in the use of single user mode.

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Answer 9

imaginos Author

Level 1

6 points

May 26, 2011 10:20 AM in response to noondaywitch

My wife and children have access from standard accounts. My wife and I also can access the admin accounts, but I rarely do that as most things I can do from my standard account.

Am I hosed?

Jim

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Answer 10

May 26, 2011 10:25 AM in response to imaginos

Certainly in difficulty. I think it is possible to get round, but I've no experience of doing it.

Have to hope someone more savvy looks in. 😟

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Answer 11

imaginos Author

Level 1

6 points

May 26, 2011 11:14 AM in response to noondaywitch

Thanks, I certainly thank you and Tom for responding.

Any other thoughts? Unix gurus?

Jim

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Answer 12

imaginos Author

Level 1

6 points

May 26, 2011 11:53 AM in response to noondaywitch

BTW, what is Open Firmware?

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Answer 13

May 26, 2011 3:12 PM in response to imaginos

Right; for intel Macs it's EFI anyway; it's the low-level boot parameters stored on the ROM that iniates the boot process.

It's not easy to set the password, as it requires the installer disc to get to the utility to set it, so you'd know if you'd done it.

Once set, however it's a major problem.

But to practicalities; if one has been set, the computer won't start up in Safe mode, verbose mode or single user mode without it, nor can you reset the PRAM, so the first thing to do is try resetting the PRAM - restart and hold down Cmd+option (alt)+P+R (⌘+⌥+P+R) before the grey screen appears. hold this combination until the startup bong sounds for the second time.

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Answer 14

imaginos Author

Level 1

6 points

May 26, 2011 9:02 PM in response to noondaywitch

Okay, I tried the Cmd+option (alt)+P+R (⌘+⌥+P+R) on restart, and I've waited for the second bong sound, but it keeps going to the "Other" logon screen and I'm in the same boat as I was before. I've tried a variety of timing on this too, even waited for a third bong sound, but it still goes back to the logon screen.

Is a reinstall necessary here? I'd hate to do it, but I have all my files backed up to a time capsule (no, not the system files as I was told by a Genius that this was not necessary). But then again, if I can't get to my install disk, how the heck would I even do a reinstall?

Folks, I am in need of some serious help here...

Jim

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Answer 15

May 26, 2011 10:23 PM in response to imaginos

hello

other way to try boot on SnowLeo startup disque

1 - insert cd into drive

2 - shut down the mac

3 - power up the mac

becarefull just after startup sound hold "alt" key until at screen you have tow boot icon

click on cd icon to start up from , then folow instruction for reset pasword

Pierre

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