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need to reset the master password on my mac but i cant remember it

i need to reset the master password on my mac but my ex helped make it and i cant remember for the life of me what it was... help

iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011)

Posted on Feb 24, 2014 9:22 AM

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6 replies

Feb 24, 2014 9:58 AM in response to Sam0990

Resetting or changing a password:


For Snow Leopard or earlier: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274


For Lion or later: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6022


This is also useful:


http://www.macworld.co.uk/ipad-iphone/news/?newsid=3463233&olo=email


If it's running Mac OS X 10.6.8 or earlier, insert a Mac OS X install DVD, restart with the Option key held down, click on it, and use the Reset Password utility.


If it's running Mac OS X 10.7 or newer, restart with the Command and R keys held down, open the Terminal, and use the resetpassword command:


https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4101


If it the Keychain password that needs resetting:


http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1544

Feb 24, 2014 3:17 PM in response to baltwo

According to David Pogue's book on Snow Leopard, if you have set up FileVault and have forgotten both the FileVault password and the Master password, then the situation is not retrievable and the data in the Home folder is lost forever. This is confirmed by Apple's Tech Note:


http://support.apple.com/kb/PH7034


Kappy's post here:


https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3150377?answerId=15522663022#15522663022


suggests a method for resetting the Master password, though I don't know whether it applies if the FileVault password has also been lost - if it does, it would mean that there was no point in the entire fandango since the password has to be non-bypassable to be of any use.

need to reset the master password on my mac but i cant remember it

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