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.

Question

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)

Answer 1

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