Help me regain control over my computer

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by CZSZSZ, Jan 10, 2012.

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  1. CZSZSZ, Jan 10, 2012

    CZSZSZ macrumors member

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2010
    #1
    Hi,
    My macbook pro march 2011 was stollen and recover by the police (thumbs up for the police). The original OS was Snow leopard which I upgraded to 10.7 Lion.

    Now when I got the laptop back I opened System Preferences > User accounts and my account was there with subscript Deleting Account. I guess a thief used options delete account with option "securely delete home folder" which takes a lot of time to complete. These preferences were secured with closed lock. So I couldn't add new user. I need new user !

    Now about my files. I have Time Machine backup which is 3 months old but it will do if there is no other way. But when I figured out that my account is being deleted I opened terminal and cd to /Users and lo and behold there was my home folder. I tried to switch off the computer but System Preferences prevented to do this as my account was being erased. So I forced the computer down with power switch. The computer is up now and there is only one user which I don't know the password. Can

    Now what do I do?
    How can I use my time machine backup ?
    Is it remotely possible to copy remains of my files to external hdd?

    Thanks a lot for help!
     
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  2. balamw, Jan 10, 2012

    balamw Moderator

    balamw

    Staff Member

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    Location:
    New England
    #2
    This is one of those situations where Target Disk Mode can come in real handy. You need a second Mac and Firewire/Thunderbolt cable for it though.

    Another approach would be to physically remove the internal drive and set it aside. Install a new drive and restore the Time Machine backup to that. Then see what you can get off of the old drive with time on your side.

    B
     
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  3. old-wiz, Jan 10, 2012

    old-wiz macrumors G3

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    #3
    iirc, you can use the system restore disk to reset password.
    can you access it via target disk mode on firewire?
     
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  4. thundersteele, Jan 10, 2012

    thundersteele macrumors 68030

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    Switzerland
    #4
    I would boot the computer with a linux live CD, and copy the remaining data over to an external HD. I believe all linux distros will be able to read the OSX file format... Ubuntu is one possibility: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download

    Then I would wipe the HD, reinstall the OS and restore from time machine, and then check what other useful stuff you were able to rescue and copy that over.
     
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  5. CZSZSZ, Jan 10, 2012

    CZSZSZ thread starter macrumors member

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    #5
    I'm not sure if I can reset password on Lion using Snow Leopard DVDs.

    That make a lot of sense thanks.

    I don't have second mac at the disposal nor ability to Firewire target disk mode.
     
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  6. simsaladimbamba, Jan 10, 2012

    simsaladimbamba Guest

    simsaladimbamba

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    #6
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  7. CZSZSZ, Jan 10, 2012

    CZSZSZ thread starter macrumors member

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    Jan 27, 2010
    #7
    That will be ultimate solution to recover user account in process of being deleted.

    ----------
    Thanks! I will try it.

    I going to bad now (I'm in Europe) thanks everyone for quick responses.
     
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  8. Mikesus, Jan 10, 2012

    Mikesus macrumors 6502

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    #8
    Fastest way? Rerun setup. Will not get into details of how to, (google is your friend) but it works perfectly. I bought an open box from BestBuy that turned out to be the display. Well I found out that they did not reinstall the OS and left it with their user. Ran through the guided set up after finding the instructions and was able to regain control.
     
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