Forgot admin password!!! Help please.

[freshS0LE]

so i recently changed the password for my powerbook and now
i completely forgot what i changed it to. sucks cause now i cant
install software and all that without the password.

is there anyway to reset the admin password?

or would i have to use a restore disk and completely wipe it out
to start all over again?

any help would greatly be appreciated.

 

[alexprice]

so i recently changed the password for my powerbook and now
i completely forgot what i changed it to. sucks cause now i cant
install software and all that without the password.

is there anyway to reset the admin password?

or would i have to use a restore disk and completely wipe it out
to start all over again?

any help would greatly be appreciated.

Boot from OSX DVD, run reset password app from Utils menu. reboot. Sorted.

 

[valdore]

same thing happened to me. You have to insert the OSX disk into your computer, and you can change the admin password from there, but it doesn't wipe your hard drive. But the only way to recover it is to use the disk.

 

[Doctor Q]

Boot from the OS X disk as if you were going to do an install. After the initial screens, look at the menu choices. Rather than proceed with an OS installation, one menu choice lets you change passwords.

Edit: I see others gave the same suggestion. There are a lot of helpful people here!

 

[bobcan]

I, as a relatively New Mac User, have often wondered how this may be resolved should it happen as well.... Now I know!! Thanks for this and all the Great Help here!!

 

[dllavaneras]

So if you don't have the disk you're screwed?

 

[valdore]

So if you don't have the disk you're screwed?

I think so.




Anyway, while we're on the subject, I can't remember my keychain password -- is there a way to get it back or do I have to use the install disk for that too?

 

[alexprice]

So if you don't have the disk you're screwed?

If in Panther you could create a new admin user. Then use the new users name and password to enable the root user, from there you could reset the password I think. Not entirely sure though.

Also think its possible to reset it from single user mode. But cant remember the excact commands to use. A quick google search would find it.

 

[alexprice]

I think so.




Anyway, while we're on the subject, I can't remember my keychain password -- is there a way to get it back or do I have to use the install disk for that too?

Goto your users library folder, go into keychains and delete your login.keychain.

Then when needed it will give you the option to create a new chain.

 

[valdore]

^thanks

 

[freshS0LE]

forgive my lack of knowledge with mac comps...

i inserted the mac os x install dvd and i selected "Install Mac OS X
and Bundled Software". So it popped up a new window saying "Click
the button below to restart your computer and begin the installation
process." so i clicked the restart button on the window and it asks for
the system password.

am i doing this wrong? how do i boot from the os x dvd?

 

[TheAnswer]

Restart from the Apple Menu with the DVD in the disk drive while holding down the C key.

 

[freshS0LE]

^hah it was written on the disc on how to boot with the disc.

thanks for the help though The Answer.

and i got it to work now guys. all the help and quick responses
greatlyappreciated!