Mac OS 9.1 - forgot password - reset

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Level 1

8 points

Mac OS 9.1 - forgot password - reset

I would like to know how to access my OS 9.1 so that I can reset my forgotten admin password.

I do not have the startup disk but I can follow directions to reset the computer manually if someone can provide semi-detailed directions for me.

I read somewhere that the first step is to restart my computer while holding down the command key and the 's'. I tried this but I am getting a message that says 'there is not enough virtual memory to load with extentions enabled', or something like that, and it continues to another window where I have to either enter the owner's password (the one I don't remember) or shut down.

Alternatively, if a manual restart is not possible, I can download the startup disk if there is a working link someone can provide? That would be great too.

Thanks, alkla

PowerBook, Mac OS 9.1.x

Posted on Apr 30, 2012 12:11 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 30, 2012 1:37 AM in response to alkla

Does the password request appear before the OS has started to load, i.e. before the "Welcome" screen appears?

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Answer 2

alkla Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 30, 2012 2:35 AM in response to Don Archibald

There is a password request that comes up immediately after I turn the computer on, but I made that one stupid easy - and it has a hint - so I can enter it in a flash. And then, yes OS starts to load and I hold down the Control+S but then I get the message that there is no more "available virtual memory to boot with extentions enabled". Then it prompts me to input the owner's password - with no hint - so I've got no idea.

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Answer 3

Apr 30, 2012 5:46 AM in response to alkla

Okay.

The first one is probably a firmware password, and is more difficult to remove since it is hardware-based.

The second one, after the OS gas started to load, is probably a Multiple Users password. It's fairly easy to fix since it is software based.

You will need a bootable CD, one appropriate for that machine model. It need not be an OS install CD, thuogh that is best; it can be a utility CD, such as one for DiskWarrior or TechTool. If you happen to have a bootable external hard drive, that will work also.

Boot to the CD. Do not run any installer or other program on the CD - you just need to boot to it. The purpose is to get the machine booted to a volume other than the volume with the OS that needs fixing.

Once the machine is booted to the CD, open the System Folder on the internal drive. In that, open the Preferences folder. In that, look for a file named Multi-User Prefs. Drag it to the Trash. Empty the Trash.

Then do a normal restart. All Multiple User passowrds and requests for same should now be gone.

*****

Not sure what the command you mention, Control-S or Command-S, is supposed to do. I'm not familiar with that for OS 9, and I know just about all OS 9 commands.

*****

Your comment about getting a message stating

...there is not enough virtual memory to load with extentions enabled...

is a bit curious. A message such as that usually indicates that the hard drive is too full, and/or Virtual Memory has been set too high.

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Answer 4

alkla Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 30, 2012 2:00 PM in response to Don Archibald

Don, thank you very much for helping me with this today.

But I figured out the password!! Yay!

I played around with it a little more this morning and must have just put in the right combination in and there it was.

I went into the control panel and changed the multiple users setings and my owner password just in case.

So, thanks again. I'm glad I didn't have to actually search down a bootable CD or do a complicated reboot afterall.

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