Administrator

[martinchivers]

I have my elderly father‘s MacBook here after he was experiencing boot problems. I’ve managed to get into it and downloaded Ventura. It’s asking for an administrator password but as far as I am aware there is no administrator for this computer. Therefore, I’m stuck and unable to actually install it.

Is there a default password?

 

[chrfr]

There has to be an administrator on the computer. If that dialog was prefilled with “User”in the username field, then “User” is an administrator.

 

[martinchivers]

Yes. Thanks. I found a scrap of paper with a password scribbled on it, so it’s working now.

Thank you.

 

[martinchivers]

I’ve attempted to install Ventura. That’s failed. Back to the black screen with the folder with the question mark.

I’m now using the macOS utility to recover it. I have 4 options listed,… restore from Time Machine backup, reinstall macOS, get help online or disk utility. He definitely does not have a Time Machine backup. I’ve tried reinstall macOS. Which takes me to the high Sierra installation.

Incidentally, this is a 2017 MacBook. Is it compatible with Ventura?

When hitting continue, I am getting a box with an! Saying the recovery server could not be contacted.

I don’t understand the other options available to me but I’ve gone into disk utility. And run first aid which has not come up with any issues that I can see.

I am now stuck

 

[ab22]

macOS Ventura is compatible with these computers - Apple Support

You can install macOS Ventura on any of these Mac models.

support.apple.com

https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/comments/144tenj/solution_to_the_recovery_server_could_not_be