HT201240 I want to resest the administrator password but I don't remember the old password and I don't have the start up disc. Is there a way around this?

Question

I'm trying to install a program update and the password that I thought I set isn't working. I don't have any start-up disk and need help resetting the password.

Answer 1

Here's one method to reset the password without the install disc:
1. boot computer and hold the "apple" key and the "s" key.
2. wait for terminal show
3. release keys
4. type without the quotes: "/sbin/mount -uaw"
5. press enter
6. type without the quotes: "rm /var/db/.applesetupdone
7. press enter
8. type without the quotes: "reboot"
9. press enter
This will let you create a new admin account when you reboot your computer.
Also, without the discs, look at Mac OS X Tip - No Password, No Root, No CD? No Problem.
http://www.macobserver.com/tip/2003/06/16.1.shtml
Here is a way to get around not knowing the admin password on Macs.
To reset your OS X password without an OS X CD you need to enter terminal and create a new admin account:
   1. Reboot
   2. Hold apple + s down after you hear the chime.
   3. When you get text prompt enter in these terminal commands to create a brand new admin account (hitting return after each line):
          * mount -uw /
          * rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
          * shutdown -h now
   4. After rebooting you should have a brand new admin account. When you login as the new admin you can simply delete the old one and you’re good to go again!
 Cheers, Tom