My iMac goes to disc utilities on startup, repair disk doesn't cure it and I can't reinstall Mountain Lion because I don't remember my I'd and password at the time I bought the software. Currently working abroad and at a loss can anyone help please?

My iMac goes to disc utilities on startup, repair disk doesn't cure it and I can't reinstall Mountain Lion because I don't remember my ID and password at the time I bought the software the system isn't accepting my current details and Apple isn't recognising the answers to my security questions.  They don't even seem to have my correc date of birth so I can't progress the reinstallation.  I'm currently abroad and have my iMac with me but with no way of contacting Apple that I can find, I'm at a loss and very reluctant to pay £35 to try and get my ID and pasword sorted out given that their system recognises my current details.  can anyone help please?
AG

when they gifted me the mountain Lion software several years ago.
Mountain Lion was introduced in July 2012. Did the people who gifted you possibly use their Apple ID for the purchase of your OS? If you used your own Apple ID, you should have simply used the one you use for all things app store. The problem with any purchase at the app store is: whatever Apple ID was used to purchase, it willl stay tied to that Apple ID forever. And, purchases from the app store are not transferable.
So, you can check with the person(s) who gifted you or spend $20 to buy it - or, if your hardware is compatible with the new OS Mavericks, you could download it and associate it with your Apple ID.
FWIW, according to the licensing agreement, the OS remains the property of Apple and you are only granted a license to run it.

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