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When attempting to reset my password using the Install disc, I can't get into the system since I am asked for my password when I initiate the disc. What now?

I lost my MAC password and was advised to use the "MAC" install disc. With the "install disc" installed, I initiate the program and it asks for my "password" to continue. What do I do now since I am unable to offer the correct password. Sure would like to discuss this with a computer expert. I am really frustrated since I can't update programs due to the lost password?

iMac (27-inch Late 2009), Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Jan 18, 2013 11:33 AM

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2 replies

Jan 18, 2013 2:41 PM in response to jstite

First, make sure caps lock is not on.

If the user account is associated with an Apple ID, and you know the Apple ID password, then maybe theApple ID can be used to reset your user account password.

Otherwise, boot into Recovery 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 OS X Utilities screen appears, select

Utilities Terminal

from the menu bar.

In the Terminal window, type this:

resetpassword

That's one word with no spaces. Then 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. It's safest to choose a password that includes only the characters a-z, A-Z, and 0-9.

Select

Restart

from the menu bar.

You should now be able to log in with the new password, but your Keychain will be reset (empty.) If you've forgotten the Keychain password (which is ordinarily the same as your login password), there's no way to recover it.

When attempting to reset my password using the Install disc, I can't get into the system since I am asked for my password when I initiate the disc. What now?

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