no OSX disc and no admin password

[andcraig]

I've inherited a 1.42 ghz (i think) mac mini but there is a catch!
i don't know my grandfather's old password and don't have the install discs (if they're anywhere, they're in florida and not easily accesible).

Is there any way to reset the password or at least make a new admin account? I'd just buy a copy of tiger but with leopard on the horizon that seems silly.

Any suggestions?

 

[mad jew]

Do you have any bootable OSX discs?

 

[andcraig]

Sadly not. Just got back from school for the month and left my powerbook's disc in the dorm.

Would i be able to use the install disc from any copy of tiger? even a computer specific one? (assuming a non-intel one of course)

 

[jsw]

Would i be able to use the install disc from any copy of tiger? even a computer specific one? (assuming a non-intel one of course)

For purposes of resetting the password, that should do the trick.

 

[Sherman Homan]

There are lots of legal issues about theft, fraud and stealing laptops and iPods. I have had several people come to me with the story that they had just bought a used laptop and the original owner didn't give them the Install CD or the admin password. I generally refuse to help them because I flat out do not believe them. Stories like the original poster's are both sad and difficult to verify.
I hope this one has worked out for the best.

 

[mad jew]

Sometimes, you've just gotta give people the benefit of the doubt.