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I can't log on as an administrator. For security reasons, I switched to log in as a single user so, so now when I want to update, I have to type both password and administrator's name. I remember the password, but not the name. Am I out of luck?

I can't log on as an administrator. For security reasons, I switched to log-in as a single user so, so now when I want to update, I have to type both password and administrator's name. I remember the password, but not the name which I never had to use before. Am I out of luck?

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Apr 23, 2012 5:40 AM

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3 replies

Apr 23, 2012 2:14 PM in response to jvanlooy

Here's the instructions if you have the discs.

Mac OS X: Changing or resetting an account password

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


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 😉

I can't log on as an administrator. For security reasons, I switched to log in as a single user so, so now when I want to update, I have to type both password and administrator's name. I remember the password, but not the name. Am I out of luck?

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