Resetting Administrator Info

I'm in need of some help.
I was given a G5 computer as a gift a couple years back. Now I would like to update the system but I have no idea what the administrator name or password is since I was never given that information. So I was trying to use the Password Reset article http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274 but since I'm still not very proficient with a Mac I need some help.
I put in the installer disk and restarted so it would start up from the installation disk, but instead the computer starts up normal and a window pops up with the files contained on the disk (Install Mac OS X, Install Applications/Classic Support, etc.) so I click on Install Mac OS X and the only option I was given was to "reset."
Since I have alot of files I don't want to loose I didn't click on the button. Do I go ahead and click on reset or am I doing something wrong?

If you did not choose to use the OSX installer disc as a boot disc, through selecting it
in the Startup Disk system preference panel, where it should appear once put into the
optical drive (alongside the current installed OS on the hard disk drive, in the Startup
Disk panel) it would not know to restart and look for it. Also, you could try holding down
the C key on startup with the installer disc in the optical drive bay, and see if it could
be seen by the computer on boot that way. Clicking on the chosen icon highlights it.
Is the OSX disc you have original to the computer? Or is it a retail packaged disc?
And, if it is from some other model or series Mac computer, it will not likely work.
If the OS was upgraded, you'd need the last version retail disc as running in there.
The older original as-shipped disc would have the wrong stuff on there for a newer OS.
Once booted from the Installer disc, the main menu bar in the top of the window would
have some options to use, other than a reinstall or archive and install. There should be
access to Disk Utility and also the ability to reset admin password. These tools have
changed somewhat with the introduction of later OSX versions (10.4, 10.5, etc.)

Similar Messages

  • Trying to reset administrator password by using the Mac OS X Install disc to reset but it won't allow me to without original administrator password. Frustrating.

    Trying to reset administrator name/password by using the Mac OS X Install disc to reset but it won't allow me to without original administrator name/password. Frustrating. Reason I'm trying to reset is that it seems to be not recognising the administrator name as have changed password in System Preferences - Accounts.
    PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

    Here's the instructions if you have the discs.
    *Mac OS X: Changing or resetting an account password*
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274?viewlocale=en_US
    Changing your administrator password
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh655.html
    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
    Without the discs, try this (OS 10.5 only). *How to Reset User Password via single user mode*
    http://macosx.com/forums/howto-faqs/300019-howto-reset-user-password-via-single- user-mode.html
    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

  • HT5312 I want to change my security questions, but the option" forgot your answers? send reset security info email to" doesen show even if I answer mor than 3 questions, it's bloked for 8 hours

    I want to change my security questions, but the option" forgot your answers? send reset security info email to" doesen't show, and after I answer 3 wrong questions, it's bloked for 8 hours, how can I change the answer to this questions If the link doesen show on the aplle wb page?

    The 'send reset info' only shows if you have a rescue email address (which is not the same thing as an alternate email address) set up on your account. If it's not showing then that implies that you haven't got one on your account, and you won't be able to add one until you can answer 2 of your security questions - in which case  see if the instructions on this user tip helps you get the questions reset : https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4551

  • I cant find ( Send reset security info email )

    hello
    i forget answer of security question for my apple id then i find in apple support this link ( http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6170 )
    but in step 5 i cant find ( Send reset security info email ) link and in this site call if i cant find this link contact to apple support
    please help to rest my security question
    best regard

    You need to ask Apple to reset your security questions. To do this, click here and pick a method; if that page doesn't list one for your country or you're unable to call, fill out and submit this form.
    The people on these boards are neither Apple Support nor the Account Security Team. None of them can reset your questions for you.
    (114465)

  • HT6170 I have forgotten the answers of security questions and the line of "forgot your answers? send reset security info email to ......."

    I have forgotten the answers of security questions and the line of "forgot your answers? send reset security info email to ......."
    how can i reset them?

    Security questions:
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4551
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5312
    This is also useful:
    http://www.macworld.co.uk/ipad-iphone/news/?newsid=3463233&olo=email
    If you don’t know your security questions, phone Apple (using the number listed here:  http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57  ) and ask for the Account Security Team.

  • I am trying to reset my security questions, however the reset security info to email address is not available to me

    I am trying to reset my security questions, however the send reset security info to email option is not available to me.
    Anyone know how I can fix this please.

    The option to send reset info only shows if you have a rescue email address (which is not the same thing as an alternate email address) set up on your account. As you aren't getting the option then that implies that you don't have a rescue email address, and you won't be able to add one until you can answer 2 of your questions - so you will need to contact iTunes Support or Apple to get the questions reset : https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4551
    e.g. you can try contacting iTunes Support : http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/contact/ - click on Contact iTunes Store Support on the right-hand side of the page, then Account Management , and then try Apple ID Account Security
    or try ringing Apple in your country and ask to talk to the Accounts Security Team : http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57
    When they've been reset you can then use the steps half-way down this page to add a rescue email address for potential future use : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5312

  • Forgot your answers? Send reset security info email ..... this link not see in my apple accound pls help

    Forgot your answers? Send reset security info email.  this link not see in my apple accound pls  help i am used another id is alredy located

    The send reset link will only show on your account if you already have a rescue email address (which is not the same thing as an alternate email address) set up on your account. If you haven't checked whether you have the link then go to https://appleid.apple.com/ and click 'Manage your Apple ID' on the right-hand side of that page and log into your account, then click on 'Password and Security' on the left-hand side of that page and on the right-hand side of the screen (similar to the screenshot in the second post on this thread) you might see an option below the questions to send reset info to a rescue email address.
    If you don't get the link (you won't be able to add a rescue email address until you can answer 2 of your questions) then you will need to contact iTunes Support or Apple to get the questions reset.
    e.g. you can try contacting iTunes Support : http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/contact/ - click on Contact iTunes Store Support on the right-hand side of the page, then Account Management , and then 'Forgotten Apple ID security questions'
    or try ringing Apple in your country and ask to talk to the Accounts Security Team : http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57
    When they've been reset (and if you don't already have a rescue email address) you can then use the steps half-way down this page to add a rescue email address for potential future use : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5312 . Or you could change to 2-step verification : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5570

  • I forgot my security questions and it says Forgot your answers? : Send reset security info email to n•••••@live.fr, but it is not one of my email adress and I don't know how to changes this, can anyone help please ?

    I forgot my security questions and it says Forgot your answers? : Send reset security info email to n•••••@live.fr, but it is not one of my email adress and I don't know how to changes this, can anyone help please ?
    I want to buy an app but I can't without these answers

    You need to contact Apple. Click here, phone them, and ask for the Account Security team.
    (87765)

  • How to reset security info required

    How can I reset security info questions ? Don't really remember any of the questions.  I am unable to download any apps.  Help!

    Have a read below
    Learn about Apple ID

  • HT5312 security question, and email for Send reset security info

    hello,
    i forgot answer for my security question, but my email for Send reset security info email to j•••••@poczta.onet.pl is not current
    please help me .what can i do?

    We can't help you here, we don't even have access to (legitly) Directory Services.
    Please check with AST.
    Check the AppleCare number for your country here:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57
    Call them up, and let them know you would like to be transferred to the Account Security Team.

  • HT5312 In my account do not appears "send reset security info email to ..." and I have forgotten my security answers. How do I reset my security questions ?

    I don't remember my security questions and answers and I can't reset it.
    The option "send reset security info email to ..." do not appears to me and I don't live in USA and don't have a "valid" phone number to apple.
    How I can reset my security questions ?
    Thanks.

    You need to contact Apple. Click here, phone them, and ask for the Account Security team.
    (87765)

  • Im trying to reset my security codes but when i click send reset security info it doesn't send

    Help!

    Hey Winklestoo,
    Thanks for the question. If you are having issues with the security questions associated with your Apple ID, follow these steps:
    If you forgot the answers to your Apple ID security questions
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6170
    Reset your security questions
    1. Go to My Apple ID (appleid.apple.com).
    2. Select “Manage your Apple ID” and sign in.
    3. Select “Password and Security” on the left side of the page.
    4. If you have only one security question, you can change the question and answer now.
    5. If you have more than one security question:
              - Select “Send reset security info email to [your rescue email address].” If you don't see this link or don't have access to your rescue address, contact Apple Support as described in the next section.
              - Your rescue address will receive a reset email from Apple. Follow its instructions to reset your security questions and set up new questions and answers. Didn't receive the email?
    After resetting your security questions, consider turning on two-step verification. With two-step verification, you don't need security questions to secure your account or verify your identity.
    If you can't reset your security questions
    Contact Apple Support in either of these circumstances:
              - You don't see the link to send a reset email, which means you don't have a rescue address.
              - You see the link to send a reset email, but you don't have access to email at the rescue address.
    A temporary support PIN isn't usually required, but Apple may ask you to generate a PIN if your identity needs to be verified.
    Thanks,
    Matt M.

  • HT5312 Forgot your answers?  Send reset security info email not available?

    send reset security info email not available plese help me how can reset security question if not available.

    If you forgot the answers to your security questions and don't have a rescue address with which to reset them, you need to contact Apple's Account Security team for assistance.
    You can speak to an Account Security Advisor by calling AppleCare technical support. To find the right contact option for your country, see this article:
    Contacting Apple about your Apple ID account security
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HE131

  • How to reset administrator password without cd

    Is there a way to reset Administrator password without CD and without losing all my information?

    Yes, you have 10.7.2 all you have to do is
    1: Hold command r while booting to enter Lion Recovery
    2: Select Terminal and launch it
    3: Type: ResetPassword  and press enter
    4: Follow the program that launches.
    For 10.6
    http://osxdaily.com/2011/04/25/change-admin-password-mac/

  • How to reset administrator password without a disk

    how can i reset administrator password without a disk....first time using macbook....
    please help me to reset the adm. password step by step.
    thank you so much

    http://www.rit.edu/its/services/desktop_support/mac/xforcenewadminacccount.html
    http://osxdaily.com/2011/04/25/change-admin-password-mac/
    http://osxdaily.com/2011/08/24/reset-mac-os-x-10-7-lion-password/

Maybe you are looking for