Q: I got this old Mac OS X computer, 2002 model password protected for the administrator, student and other. I tried to reset but couldn't get through. I was told it was password protected from factory. Can anyone help me out?

I believe you have the iMac g4.  These machines are collector's items.  It wasn't password protected from the factory.

What procedure did you employ to reset the password.

It could have a firmware password.

Maybe your are getting the firmware password?  Do you see this image?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57521667-263/use-the-calculator-to-reveal-a -macs-firmware-password/

Remove one memory stick.  Then do as BD suggests.

BDAqua reminds me:
Then, the PRAM must be reset 3 times. (Command + Option + p + r).
http://www.securemac.com/openfirmwarepasswordprotection.php

You mean that you pulled out a memory stick then reset the pram three times?

How about this?

FWSucker created by mSec.

I found the app!

it's on this page near bottom.

http://www.securemac.com/openfirmwarepasswordprotection.php

let's see if I can get the link correct

http://www.securemac.com/file-library/FWSucker.sit

or the calculator method?

See links above.  I've never set the firmware password.  I've never have tried resetting the password.

Robert