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macbook off eBay help!

RTiii320

RTiii320

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Aug 15, 2008
596
0
Long Beach, CA
just bought a MacBook off eBay and I bought it from an eBay store, he says he can't get ahold of the previous owner but for the login password. It just stays at the log-in screen. Do I need to restore it from. Scratch and also will I need the install disks to do this
 
Sounds stolen to be honest, I've heard of ebay users who steal a laptop, buy a power adapter the same day and sell it on ebay within a week, it's very difficult for the police to track.

I would suggest sending it back to whoever you bought it off as it sounds very dodgy, contact paypal and explain the situation if the seller gets uncooperative.
 
or u can boot into single user mode and change it.

seller sounds dogdy though
 
depends what option u choose. if u choose archive and install it will keep old stuff
 
You don't need to erase anything to change the password- you just need to boot the installer disk by holding down C when you boot. When you get to the first screen, select Reset Password from the menus.

The whole deal still sounds bogus- if the guy didn't know the password how would he be able to test the machine before selling it- assuming he gave some kind of assurance that it was working that is. If he said as-is, then that is exactly what you got! ;)
 
does resetting the vram ect work on intels?

and don't be so assuming there are plenty of legit reasons for this situation.
 
OrangeSVTguy said:
Resetting the password is actually on the guides of the Apple support site.

Can you provide a link to us the macbook that you bought? Is he a reputable seller? Or a complete n00b?
Click to expand...


900 powerseller on eBay, he had 3 different macbooks when I won mine on eBay, however after i turned the computer off and restarted it, it automatically logs in. The actual problem now is that i can't change the name on the macbook to mine its still under the old users name. OR trying to receive updates i cannot because i do not have her password. The computer works fine however i cannot log in to any admin options!
 
RTiii320 said:
900 powerseller on eBay, he had 3 different macbooks when I won mine on eBay, however after i turned the computer off and restarted it, it automatically logs in. The actual problem now is that i can't change the name on the macbook to mine its still under the old users name. OR trying to receive updates i cannot because i do not have her password. The computer works fine however i cannot log in to any admin options!
Click to expand...

So you reinstall the computer!

And you're not suppose to be using the programs from the previous owner unless you have the license AND discs.

As with this stolen thing—some companies buy used computers, test them and that's it; they don't deal with reinstallation; they just buy, test, and resell.
 
alphaod said:
So you reinstall the computer!

And you're not suppose to be using the programs from the previous owner unless you have the license AND discs.

As with this stolen thing—some companies buy used computers, test them and that's it; they don't deal with reinstallation; they just buy, test, and resell.
Click to expand...



yeah your no help, thanks to those who COULD actually help. Got it working in my name using the single-user mode method..
 
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