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Is there a magic key?

Hi People - How can I get back into my G4 (running Tiger) when I don't remember the administrative user name or password? I followed the VERY BAD instructions of a tech rep (financial software) and found myself excluded from getting back into any of my files. We have cooled down but we are still not happy. Your help is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks.

G4-OTHER, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Feb 16, 2012 2:31 PM

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Posted on Feb 16, 2012 2:44 PM

Reboot from your original OS installation disk, go to Utilities and choose Reset Password. Choose the admin user and create a new password.


http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US


Matt

2 replies

Feb 16, 2012 3:44 PM in response to daveihrig

Changing your administrator password

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh655.html


Here's one method to reset the password without the install disc:


1. boot computer and hold the "apple" key and the "s" key.

2. wait for terminal show

3. release keys

4. type without the quotes: "/sbin/mount -uaw"

5. press enter

6. type without the quotes: "rm /var/db/.applesetupdone

7. press enter

8. type without the quotes: "reboot"

9. press enter


This will let you create a new admin account when you reboot your computer.


Also, without the discs, look at Mac OS X Tip - No Password, No Root, No CD? No Problem.

http://www.macobserver.com/tip/2003/06/16.1.shtml


Here is a way to get around not knowing the admin password on Macs.


To reset your OS X password without an OS X CD you need to enter terminal and create a new admin account:


1. Reboot

2. Hold apple + s down after you hear the chime.

3. When you get text prompt enter in these terminal commands to create a brand new admin account (hitting return after each line):

* mount -uw /

* rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone

* shutdown -h now

4. After rebooting you should have a brand new admin account. When you login as the new admin you can simply delete the old one and you’re good to go again!


 Cheers, Tom 😉

Is there a magic key?

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