Hello,
I have forgotten my master password but FileVault is off. Is there anyway I can change the master password without wiping and reinstalling? I'm thinking maybe there is a way I can log in as 'root' and make the appropriate changes that way.
If File Vault is not turned on then there is no need for a Master Password. It has nothing to do with privileges. The Master Password is only set when you turn on File Vault, and would be required to turn it off once it had been turned on.
What makes you think you need a Master Password? Have you tried to do something that requested a Master Password? The Master Password and the admin password are not the same.
Is this something you need to do? The method is explained in Apple Training Series: Mac OS X Support Essentials, 2nd Edition By Owen Linzmayer that can be purchased at www.peachpit.com.
I don't need to do it, I'm merely inquiring as to whether if the FileVault is locked, there is any method of resetting the password other than reinstalling the OS. I seem to have heard that this is the only solution, and that if the master password is forgotten and Filevault is locked, a reinstall is the only fix.
Thanks for sharing your expertise,
cheers,
Miriam
edit: From Apple Info:
When you turn on FileVault, you also set up a master password for the computer that you or an administrator can use if you forget your regular login password.
WARNING: If you turn on FileVault and then forget both your login password and your master password, you will not be able to log in to your account and your data will be lost forever.
If you forget your login password and your home folder is protected by FileVault, you must know the master password to get access to your account. If you don't know the master password, ask your computer's administrator to help you.
If you are the administrator of the computer, and you can't remember the master password, the information in your home folder is lost forever.
To reset the password for an encrypted home folder:
Try to log in to your user account. When you see the password hint appear after the third unsuccessful try, click "Forgot Password."
Type (or have the computer's administrator type) the master password and click Continue.
Read the warning message about your keychain and click OK to proceed, or click Cancel to stop.
Type a new login password for your account, then type it again to verify it.
Type a hint that will help you remember your password next time.
Click Login.
If you forget both the Master Password and the Admin password then you are irretrievably lost. But if you know your Admin password there is a technique that does not require erasing the hard drive. The book reference I gave you explains how that is done for Tiger. A slightly different method is needed for Panther.
You should understand that I'm reticent to provide people with techniques for overcoming password protection. Given the nature of forums you never know to whom you are communicating, so it's very easy for unscrupulous people to post a "fake" cry for help when what they really want is to circumvent the password protection on a stolen computer.