need help with changing password

[lmg01]

Hi all,
Recently received a Power Mac G4 Cube, still trying to work my way around it, never had a mac before. It seems as though the previous owner password is still effective, I have no idea who this person is. Any help and/or advice on how I can go about changing it without having the original p/w. Also is there a user guide or something that I can get for this. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[JediMeister]

If you have the operating system discs that shipped with the computer, you can follow the steps in http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274 for resetting the administrator password, its about halfway down the page. There's also a method to reset it in single-user mode but I don't remember the commands off the top of my head.

 

[zachsilvey]

this is a bit of a problem. there are two options that I can offer.
1)Ask the previous owner, but I'm sure you probably have already though of that.
2)If they gave you the cds to reinstall, do a fresh install of the system

there are no known ways to crack passwords on os x so if you can't do either you are just going to have to buy a new copy of os x.

 

[emt1]

You really should wipe the hard drive and reinstall the OS.

 

[lmg01]

Thanks to all that answered, however I don't have the disk that you are talking about. Where can I get one?

 

[JediMeister]

If you weren't provided the discs by the previous owner, you could possibly order them from AppleCare (assuming availability) or use a 10.3, 10.4, or 10.5 retail install disc to reset the password. I say 10.3, 10.4, or 10.5 because you would need the one appropriate to whatever version you seen in About this Mac under the menu.

 

[lmg01]

Thanks Jedi, after looking it's a 10.4.11, any ideas where I can get one? You have been such a great help. Can't thank you enough

 

[maccam]

You can get them off from eBay...
http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-Mac-G4-Cu...wItemQQptZUS_Software?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Although it sounds like you might have stole the cube (sorry if I sound accusing).

 

[lmg01]

Thanks for replying, but I honestly did not steal it, this was given too me. Although I can see how you would accuse someone of stealing that you don't know