Can I install a new copy of the OS X software in place of the existing OS if I don't know the original OS admin password?

I bought a used donated Macbook 4,1 to dip my toes in the Apple world.  The system has the OS X 10.6 operating system but the admin name and/or password that I was given does not work and I have tried every combination that I can imagine.   The charity has no way to contact the original owner.
If I purchase a new copy of OS X 10.6.8 (or other version suggestions for this early 2008 Macbook model???) from Apple, will I be able to overwrite the existing install and start fresh or will the lack of an admin password prevent me from installing the new OS?   Is there another alternative???

You first need to erase (reformat) your hard drive.
Resetting or changing a password:
For Snow Leopard or earlier:  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274
If it's running Mac OS X 10.6.8 or earlier, insert a Mac OS X install DVD, restart with the Option key held down, click on it, and use the Reset Password utility.
The OS 10.6 Snow Leopard install DVD is still available for $19.99 from the Apple Store:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
and in the UK:
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

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