Lost password, can't format... OSX 10.4

I was replying to this a while ago and just before I posted it, my ISP went down.

Anyway you need to answer a few questions first...

1. How did you install 10.4? Do you have the DVD for it?
2. What OS was originally installed on the computer?
3. Do you have the original CDs that came with the computer?

Answer these questions and we'll go from there. Just want to make sure this is not a stolen computer.

He has original Disks. Judging from his post, he is not the actual owner.

If you bought it from someone, you need to get them to give you the real password. If the seller does not have the password, then it's stolen merchandise, demand a refund.

If you do a Google search, you will find a routine where you boot the machine into Terminal and issue some commands which resets the system to run the Initial Setup Process again. It wipes all of the existing user account information, but you can create a new account to log in.

I used it on a PowerMac G4 MDD with 10.2 that belonged to our company but the person who used it had left so we had no way to recover the password.

I don't know if this will work, but it's worth a shot. Since you say your wife has a Mac try using her computer to clean out your computer. Here's how:

1) Start your computer in target disk mode by holding "T" down while it starts. You should get a firewire sign to just be floating around the screen.

2) Attach your computer via firewire to your wifes.

3) Open Disk Utility and you should see your Mac as an external drive on her computer.

4) Reformat the drive using Disk Utility (just google how to do this, It's a lot easier than me trying to explain how to do it from my work PC).

5) Restart up your mac with the install DVD's and it should just let you do a clean install.

NOTE: Everything on the computer will be gone including 10.4 and all of your cousins data.

The only trouble I could see you having is your mac asking for an administrative password when you try to reformat, but I can't remember if it will.

Here is how to reset the password in in Single User Mode:

1. Boot into single user mode (press Command-S at power on)
2. Type fsck -fy
3. Type mount -uw /
4. Type launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
5. Type dscl . -passwd /Users/username password
(replacing username with the targeted user and password with the desired password)
6. Reboot

Something stinks in Denmark!

merl1n said:

Here is how to reset the password in in Single User Mode:

1. Boot into single user mode (press Command-S at power on)
2. Type fsck -fy
3. Type mount -uw /
4. Type launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
5. Type dscl . -passwd /Users/username password
(replacing username with the targeted user and password with the desired password)
6. Reboot

Click to expand...

Correction - commands you type are in bold:

1. Boot into single user mode (press Command-S at power on)
2. Type fsck -fy
3. Type mount -uw /
4. Type launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
5. Type dscl . -passwd /Users/username password
(replacing username with the targeted user and password with the desired password)
6. Type reboot

Always check Apple support!

Apple has a procedure here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274

You can reset any user's password if you have the original OS install CD/DVD.

ditto. Surprised no one mentioned the easiest way to do it.

no need for silly terminal commands.

I have a 10.3 OSX because my wife has an Ibook. I was trying those disks.

Click to expand...

e12a said:

ditto. Surprised no one mentioned the easiest way to do it.

no need for silly terminal commands.

Click to expand...

He stated that he did not have the "original CDs" and that he couldn't boot from the 10.3 CD from his wife's iBook.

It's the OP's fault for not obtaining a copy of Tiger... Just borrow it again from the friend..better yet why not make a copy of it, he already violated the license.

Boot into target boot mode, wipe the drive, start over.

Did the computer not come with discs? Find a friend with a retail copy of Tiger or Leopard. You cannot use another computer's restore discs on your own. They are machine specific. If you can find a disc from the exact same computer, i.e. power book of the same generation, then that will work also.

Consultant said:

He has original Disks. Judging from his post, he is not the actual owner.

If you bought it from someone, you need to get them to give you the real password. If the seller does not have the password, then it's stolen merchandise, demand a refund.

Click to expand...

This whole story sounds fishy. This is a stolen laptop!

If the computer was made after the release of 10.4, i.e. the latest generation power book, then 10.3 will not work or will work but have some problems with functionality that was incorporated only after 10.4 (same for people going from 10.5 to 10.4..multi-touch etc, as that feature was not present on computers during 10.4)

zalle said:

Dammit!!!! IT'S NOT STOLEN!

Even though I don't need this (as my problem is solved), I don't mind showing whatever proof you need.

I don't know anyone here but it bothers me to be accused like this. I'm sorry if I don't fit your perfect Mac user, but I don't steal laptops.

Click to expand...

Some people here are insensitive; do not mind them.

It is possible the computer is EFI locked? If it is, you will have to take it to Apple and prove your ownership and they will unlock it.

zalle said:

Yep, that was it. I got Tiger and it now runs smoothly. I'm starting to love it. Almost losing my interest in installing ubuntu on this machine... BUT, I love the free everything of ubuntu... dammm

Thanks guys for all your help, and, by the way, once again, this is NOT a stolen laptop

Click to expand...

Ubutnu sucks on powerpc macks... stick to tiger. The PPC linux ports were proof of concept mostly and very poorly done.

password reset not working!

I have a dual 2.0 G5. I have two internal drives and a host of raid arrays connected via firewire ports external. I change my login password and then, of course, forgot it. I'm running 10.4.1 Tiger, by the way. I put the Tiger disc in, hold down the C key, lets it boot to start an install, go to Utilities, select "Reset Password", I see my internal drive that I have my O/S on BUT the drop down "Select a user of this volume to reset their password" is grayed out, can select my user name, nor can I put a new password in in the "Enter a new password". I've reset my PRAM, my SMU, everything, but I can't get the password reset to see my administrators user name. I am the ONLY user on the computer. Does anyone know why my password reset won't work?

merl1n said:

Correction - commands you type are in bold:

1. Boot into single user mode (press Command-S at power on)
2. Type fsck -fy
3. Type mount -uw /
4. Type launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
5. Type dscl . -passwd /Users/username password
(replacing username with the targeted user and password with the desired password)
6. Type reboot

Click to expand...

I did this worked a treat

1. Reboot
2. Hold apple key + s key down after you hear the chime. (command + s on newer Macs)
3. When you get text prompt enter in these terminal commands to create a brand new admin account (hitting return after each line):

mount -uw /
rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
shutdown -h now

4. After rebooting you should have a brand new admin account. When you login as the new admin you can simply delete the old one and your good to go again!