Adminstrator Password

Hi, TEBarnhart -

Welcome to Apple's Discussions.

Assuming it is a Multiple Users password, yes, there is a way to get around it - but you will need to obtain a bootable CD in order to do it.

An OS 9 Install CD is ideal, but any CD that will boot the machine (such as a disk utility CD) will do. Your "Lombard", a PowerBook G3 (Bronze Keyboard) model, originally came with OS 8.6; it can use any retail OS 9 Install CD, and does not need a firmware update in order to run OSX.

Boot to the CD. Open the System Folder on the hard drive, go into the Preferences folder and loacte the file named Multi-User Prefs - throw that file away. Empty the Trash, then do a normal restart.

Doing that should clear all Multiple User passwords.

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It is very advisable to acquire an appropriate CD that can be used for booting in emergencies. A good choice, for many reasons, is a retail OS 9.1 Install CD or a retail OS 9.2.1 Install CD.

You can often get retail OS 9 Install CD's at sites like these -
http://store.yahoo.com/hardcoremac/index.html - Apple Reseller
http://www.applerescue.com/

EBay is another possibility.

Regardless of the source, be sure to get a retail OS 9 Install CD - those are white, with a large gold 9 on them; the retail OS 9 Install CD's have a universal installer; model-specific Install CD's do not.

Hi, TEBarnhart -

The term Administrator Password applies to Multiple Users - the main, owner level password is the Administrator Password; others are the User passwords.

Since the machine is a PowerBook, it is possible that a hardware password has been set via Open Firmware. If so, the request for it should appear before the OS starts to load - and will also appear when trying to boot to a CD.

If the request appears after the OS has partially loaded then the password is probably a Multiple Users one, and the machine should boot freely to an appropriate CD.

Hi, TEBarnhart -

You're quite welcome - glad to be able to help.

I'm thinking there are several people who posted here who have been unable to "remember," "reset," "restore," or otherwise come up with the OWNER password for their OS 9 computers. This password is completely separare and apart from "multiple users." I was very close to pulling out all my hair trying to connect my old G4 with my new IMac via crossover cable to move some files (way too many to email to myself). No trouble with starting the connection process, but I couldn't provide the OS with THE password it wanted.

Finally, I found the answer in the Mac OS 9 Utilities folder/Assistants folder/Mac OS Setup Assistant. Run this and you can change the owner name and password--no questions asked! no more hair-pulling.