janisneu

Q: Removing password, removing files

Dropped off at recycle days;   Powerbook G4 with working charger, non working dvd.   To clean this up to put it out to a client who can't afford a laptop,  I need all information that tracks back to the original owner,.   The 10.5.8 OS was not dropped off  and the former owner did not remove his password.   I can fix the non dvd status with an external drive but not before I know this laptop will become useful.    I know nothing about Macs of any kind.   The apple store said I needed the install set or take it into them (not an affordable choice) Are there any other choices for us?

PowerBook, Other OS, identified as OS X10.5.8

Posted on Jul 20, 2014 3:30 PM

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Q: Removing password, removing files

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  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Jul 20, 2014 5:07 PM in response to janisneu
    Level 8 (49,039 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 20, 2014 5:07 PM in response to janisneu

    A Mac's original optical disc media must accompany it from cradle to grave, for the very reasons you describe. You will need a working optical drive and the PowerBook's original System Install DVD, or a replacement obtained from Apple. Replacement internal optical drives are not terribly expensive or difficult to install.

     

    Contact them using the phone number that appears for you in the Apple Online Store. Apple will require the PowerBook's serial number.

     

    If that is not an option, you will need another Mac. Boot the PowerBook in Target Disk Mode:

     

    How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode

    In any event, some outlay of cash will be required.
  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Jul 20, 2014 5:45 PM in response to janisneu
    Level 8 (35,141 points)
    iPad
    Jul 20, 2014 5:45 PM in response to janisneu

    I can fix the non dvd status with an external drive....

     

    Possibly not. Remember that PowerMacs need a FireWire external to be bootable. Even models that Apple says are USB bootable commonly don't. Someone may post here that he knows how to do it but he seems to be the only one managing to pull it off.

     

    For US$5-15 you can get an optical drive cleaning disk. It's a small investment that may restore the existing drive. Worth a shot considering it is darned near impossible to find a new FireWire external optical that is Mac bootable.

  • by LostAccount,

    LostAccount LostAccount Jul 21, 2014 2:50 PM in response to janisneu
    Level 1 (125 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 21, 2014 2:50 PM in response to janisneu

    Reset Mac Password – without a CD or Boot Drive

     

    ou will need to boot into what is known as single user mode and input a bunch of terminal commands one at a time. It is not difficult to do because all the steps are outlined in the article linked below. You don't need to know anything about macs just how to follow instructions.

     

    Please see http://osxdaily.com/2010/08/10/forgot-mac-password-how-to-reset-mac-password/

     

    Despite this, you should consider getting the 10.5.8 retail discs (Call AppleCare, they still have them I think) because on a rainy day, on a different issue you will need it. Oh how could I forget, you can get AppleCare to send you discs that came with the mac. Call AppleCare and get the discs but for now the link above will get you going somewhere you need to go.

     

    Some advice, please read the entire article to ensure that it resolves the issue you are having in the manner in which you expect. You will not break your mac, if anything, you will be creating a second use account, the old one will still be there and you may be able to recover those files to some extent.