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Hi ,I barely got this from USPS ,and it's used ibook G4 ,I don't know a password from there username I couldn't even use it because it already used ?do you how to restore the whole system for iBook G4 ,without the password

Hi ?okay barley got this from USPS but it's in used ,somebody already own this ibook G4 ,I only use it for 1 min on this OS X and then when I try to go any file I have to type in a password ,but I don't know the password ?do you how to restore everything and restart everything ,without the password?

iBook, Other OS, Restore & delete the system

Posted on Apr 10, 2014 7:09 PM

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2 replies

Apr 11, 2014 1:29 AM in response to 1997Activate

The seller should have included a bootable OS X system DVD that would work in that computer; preferrably one that matches the OS X installed in the computer when you got it. Have you contacted the seller?


If you can find the serial number and any other model identifier of the iBook portable, you could probably get a Replacement OS X Tiger 10.4 system DVD from Apple for about $20; a white-label disc that should work in an old iBook G4. This should not be an original install-restore disc specific to the iBook, but there may be one available. (Originals shipped with a Mac were gray color and say the computer name, and those discs have a part number related to the Mac models build year, etc they shipped with.) A 'replacement' white disc should work with more than one specific series of Mac that could support the OS X.


As these computers get older and farther away from the date of manufacture, replacement discs or copies of original software kits, no longer made, are harder to come by. However the white label 'replacement' from AppleCare, may be the ticket, if you can order one and if they still have them. And, if it works.


With a system disc, you can erase and install (or secure erase, reformat, & install, then update) a system on the hard disk drive. By doing the secure erase, the Disk Utility will write a pass of zeros over the old content and that can help clear up old issues in a questionable used computer's hard disk drive, but you'd need an OS X install disc. You can call AppleCare or Apple Sales Support (not the main store or main online pages, its not a regular item) and if you are lucky, you may talk to someone who knows these exist. A few ASC discussion threads have mentioned these, and people who bought them posted pictures of the actual discs.


There are some ways to attempt to reset an admin password, usually with the install disc for OS X; but another way using Single-user mode or command-line Terminal, to go into unix and change settings at a level beneath the graphic user interface.


•TidBits: Five Ways to Reset a Lost Admin Password

https://tidbits.com/article/14437

+see comments post link, for Carlos single-user idea
https://tidbits.com/article/14437#comments_22009
not recommended for casual use without knowledge


•With an OS X disc, how to reset lost passwords:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1274


You'll have to search and reword for other online ideas.


If you bought the iBook from an auction, suggest they

should include the disc, since it implies a license to

have the system software installed. It is the proof.


The replacement OS X install disc for Tiger or Leopard

(depending on the computer, what it may use best) are

ideas, so ask AppleCare about them. If you can, get

both, so you may have one that does the job.


PS: If someone set an Open Firmware password, that

is another matter to access the locked computer. At a

level of security higher than Admin, near impossible.

Almost as bad as encrypting the hard drive.


Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Apr 13, 2014 3:47 PM in response to K Shaffer

To: 1997Activate

...a PS to the above...


Did you try to get replacement discs for your iBook from Apple Care in so much as they had been reported to have Tiger and Leopard white-label 'replacement' DVDs for both these systems; the Tiger would likely be worth the risk, but since the cost per OS version disc was rather low compared to old-stock ebay or amazon seller retail boxed sets, a great deal should they work. (I cannot verify, though)


The information I'd seen in another ASC discussion thread said to try this...


"Restore Tiger 10.4 and Leopard 10.5 DVDs are available from Apple by calling 1-800-275-2273. Or (800-767-2775) Have serial number of your product ready; have your credit card handy, too. There is a small fee per set."


note post by Bcarey:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4720126?answerId=21422740022#21422740022


"See these discussions, note images of product label, etc:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4720126?tstart=0 --Jan 20, 2013

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5772721?answerId=24588313022#24588313022 --Jan 22, 2014"


As I notice you had inquired in another post about how to set up your computer, there are only so many ways. And several of the noted ones you have with an obsolete or vintage model had been covered.


Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

edited

Hi ,I barely got this from USPS ,and it's used ibook G4 ,I don't know a password from there username I couldn't even use it because it already used ?do you how to restore the whole system for iBook G4 ,without the password

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