Stuck in Darwin/BSD (macintosh.local.) (console)

Question

Somehow, in attempting to reset my main password (which I was able to do by using the start-up disc, finally), I have gotten myself stuck in the Darwin console.
Here is the start-up procedure.
1. I turn on the machine
2. It boots from the hard drive
3. I get the chime and think everything is going on fine
4. I get the prompt to select a user id and enter the password
5. I choose the one ID and enter the password
6. I am taken, not to the GUI, but to the Darwin/BSD console login.
I can't move forward, log in, nor exit.
Any help?

Answer 1

*You need to verify that your file system structure is ok.*
Startup problems:
bdaqua advises running disk utility from install disk:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2256611&tstart=0
*Try loading fewer programs*
Hold down the shift key when booting into Mac OS X. this will check your file structure and do a repair. This will also leave off some files from being used.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1455
"What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode? (Mac OS X) "
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564?viewlocale=en_US
*Are you using filevault?*
The filevault image could have been corrupted, someone could have changed the password to the filevault id while not following the correct procedure, filevault image is not in the correct place, or the permissions on the file for filevault image could have changed.
*You could try adding a new user*
Get the Mac to set up an additional administrative account. You can then change the password on your old account.
Start with your computer power off. Hold down command-s. Power on your computer.
Type in the following:
The first two commands will depend on your release of Mac OS X. Look at what is typed out in the console to determine the exact format.
# Type the follow two instructions to access the startup disk in read/write. Press return after each command.
/sbin/fsck -fy
/sbin/mount -uw /
cd /var/db
pwd
#List all files. The l is a lower case L.
ls -a
#The move command acts as a rename command in this format.
mv -i .applesetupdone .applesetupdone.old
reboot
Once you've done that the computer reboots and it's like the first time you used the machine. Your old accounts are all safe. From there you just change all other account passwords in the account preferences!!
Limnos adds detailed explainations:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8441597#8441597
The above the idea came from a post by JoseAranda at September 9, 2006 3:48 AM
http://www.askdavetaylor.com/howdo_i_reset_my_mac_os_x_admin_rootpassword.html
You will need to scroll down to see this post. Search for applesetupdone
Robert