HT201405: Mac OS X 10.5.3 or later: Time Machine - "Backup volume could not be mounted" after changing network volume's password

Learn about Mac OS X 10.5.3 or later: Time Machine - "Backup volume could not be mounted" after changing network volume's password
woody2shoes
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Q: New IMAC  3 months ago, just NOW trying to set it up, but, cannot remember the "initial" password for signing on.  HOW do I get around this "block" and/or is there a back door?  ONLINE to apple was useless!!

Apple online support was useless!  Stupid me, cannot remember password to signon to new IMAC.  Surely there is a backdoor.  Can someone help me here?

 

Thanks!!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Mar 28, 2012 2:48 PM

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woody2shoes

Q: New IMAC  3 months ago, just NOW trying to set it up, but, cannot remember the "initial" password for signing on.  HOW d ... more

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Mar 28, 2012 3:46 PM in response to woody2shoes
    Level 10 (208,044 points)
    Applications
    Mar 28, 2012 3:46 PM in response to woody2shoes

    Boot from your recovery partition by holding down the key combination command-R at startup. Release the keys when you see a gray screen with a spinning dial.

     

    When the recovery desktop appears, select Utilities ▹ Terminal from the menu bar.

     

    In the Terminal window, enter “resetpassword” (without the quotes) and press return. A Reset Password window opens.

     

    Select your boot volume if not already selected.

     

    Select your username from the menu labeled Select the user account if not already selected.

     

    Follow the prompts to reset the password.

     

    Select ▹ Restart from the menu bar. You should now be able to log in with the new password, but you won't be able to unlock the Keychain. If you've forgotten the Keychain password (which is normally the same as your login password), there's no way to recover it.