stewieno1
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Re:Imac G4 800 (2002) - 2009/08/05 21:10
Without an OSX CD or DVD
Method 1
Here's how 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!
Method 2
There's a much easier way to do the same thing from single user that won't wipe out your whole account.
* boot single user
* sh /etc/rc
* passwd [account_short_name]
Here, pick the password you want and type it twice to catch possible typos. What you type won't appear on screen, but trust that it's working and keep typing. If you get an error ("password mismatch" or some such thing), just repeat the passwd command and try again.
Once you've set the password, just:
* reboot
Two catches:
* This will only work on Tiger, as the "sh /etc/rc" line that enables this to work wasn't available on Panther and earlier. You can do it, but it takes several more steps -- go find one of O'Reilly's Mac for Unix users books for details.
* This won't reset your keychain password, so you'll either need to remember the old password, or delete the keychain and all the passwords that were stored in it.
Note:
These methods may get you back into being able to use the machine but harryb's statement about buying a retail copy of Tiger is a good one.
You can use the Tiger disc to perform maintenance on the iMac for a starter.
Stewie
Post edited by: stewieno1, at: 2009/08/05 21:15
Post edited by: stewieno1, at: 2009/08/05 22:04
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