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Change Mac admin password without the disk [Solved/Closed]

Pranjal sharma - Latest answer on Oct 28, 2012 02:06PM

Hello,
i lost my disk and forgot the admin password so please can you tell me how to change admin password without the disk

Answer

+1631

xpcman 7228Posts Wednesday October 8, 2008Registration date ContributorStatus May 21, 2013Last seen Mar 1, 2009 01:05PM

You can try this:

But, it will create a new account and your old files will still not be accessible.

Creating a new Admin on Mac Os X:
Here's how to reset your OS X password without an OS X CD.
the Working solution for me was to create a new admin
you can create new admin like this by deleting a specific file.

You need to enter terminal and create a new admin account:

1. Reboot
2. Hold apple key + s key down after you hear the chime.
(command + s keys on newer Macs)
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 your good to go again!

Apple stores wont reset it for you. Computer shops may charge you $50 to $200 trying to reinstall the Mac and failing at the end.

Vince - Mar 29, 2009 08:33PM

Once I get to the command part every time I hit the enter bottom says file or command not found, or invalid should I include the star symbol every time? because I try without it and still not let me to continue seems that this instructions should me more in detail and even more since we enter a very detail portion of the operative system, I wish you could guide me more in detail in what to do to accomplish this administrator set up, thank you.

mediadude - May 3, 2009 12:37PM

vince, I just went through the process after loading Leo over Jaguar. Never use passwords, but long ago i must have entered oned while installing Jaguar! Forgot it, naturally. I used the unix command lines just as published here without the star/asterisks. Worked fist time.

By now you've figured it out another way, but it's nice to see a post like this that is so helpful.

buzzy › Vince - Aug 19, 2009 06:31AM

please post the answer to the guy who couldnt get the apple =s to work , want as much knowledge before i try it . thanks ,buzzy

angee59 › Vince - Jan 31, 2010 10:02PM

Okay I am trying to reset my admin password and have instructions without a disk, however it says to reboot and then after you hear the chime hold apple+s down...the problem is I don't see an apple key. I tried with command key but I get nothing, somebody please help me, I am confused!

cautoner - Feb 12, 2010 08:58AM

The "apple" button is the command button. All of the instructions you have are case sensitive and need to be written exactly the way you have them.

ilisa › Vince - Feb 16, 2010 03:56PM

This worked really well for me, even though I had to do it a few times. Do not include the stars, but follow the spaces very closely. it matters EXACTLY where the spaces are. you'll probably need to do it few times before getting it exactly right. if you need to, copy and paste the instructions onto a word document to find out exactly where the spaces are. It's worth it!!

AgentV - Apr 7, 2009 06:20PM

I just tried this yesterday on a new MacBookPro 15" with 10.5.6 . It didn't work and obviously corrupted the startup. There has to be something that was missing.

There was an admin user with a password, I booted into single user mode and typed exactly what you had there.
All I got when I rebooted but the spinning apple boot symbol.

Mercenary - Apr 21, 2009 04:05PM

This worked great for me Thanks a Milli'!!!

DX › AgentV - May 14, 2009 03:46AM

thats exactly whats happening to me now, now i cant even log into my desktop? how did u fix it? this mount -uw thing have messed up my macbook pro!?

chef h - Jul 30, 2009 03:50AM

I tried the mount -uw/ for my macbook pro because I no longer have the original disc. Now my computer just sits at a blue screen with a continuous scolling wheel and then it will go away for a second and come back again. One message I did notice while trying to do the mount -uw/ option was the following:

it keeps scrooling Mach communication failed: (ipc/mig) server died
mDNSKeychainGetSecrets failed error2301 CFArrayRef 00000000
mach_msg_server: (ipc/send) invalid memory

There was more to the message than just this message but I didn't have enough time to get it all.

doesn't look good...i think it's toasted.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me. I'd hate to think I have a very expensive paper weight.

metoyou › AgentV - Sep 10, 2009 09:27AM

i have the same problem

bobbyboytoy - Apr 26, 2009 12:49PM

Thanx xpc man! This worked for me!

seh2000 - May 6, 2009 02:21PM

Worked like a charm!
Mill thanks
Steen

jas - May 13, 2009 05:16PM

xpc you are the man!!! thanks alot works great

treros69 - May 13, 2009 06:30PM

What do youmean by hold apple+s

jax - Nov 15, 2009 07:41PM

hold the command button and the letter s

iGnOraNt KiDD - May 15, 2009 04:40PM

to man thx alot dis realy help me n save me moeny. You're a pro at dis. i realy appreciate everything. thx again ;)

Klearly44 - May 27, 2009 08:55PM

how did you get this to work exactly? The first command works for me if I don't put he "/" behind it, but I can't get past the 2nd command.

ed - May 23, 2009 07:59PM

how to reboot the apple macbook pro laptop

Mac lover - May 29, 2009 05:31PM

My iMac G4 Pc will not accept commands you listed for resetting a new password. Does it not work on my Mac, should I be doing something else? When I put in the information you listed it says "zsh:command not found" Is there any hope for me?

Arn - May 30, 2009 12:40PM

Will u lose ur data on ur original account that u used to have.

Thanks

Amy - Jun 15, 2009 10:59PM

I have a question for ya-
How do I reset my password for my emac if I dont have the start up/installation disk and I dont have an apple keyboard??

max - Jun 20, 2009 11:47AM

Your legend

Trumusik 1Posts Monday June 29, 2009Registration date - Jun 29, 2009 06:44PM

This did not work for me , i accidentally threw out my mac os and it can't be found. i restart my computer but did not start as it ought to.I reset the PRAM and it took me to the log in page , but does not accept my current username and password. I even try rebooting from the CD but each time it took me to an obscure page that says i need to restart my computer. what is happening to my G, and how can this problem be solved?

Joeimpre - Jun 30, 2009 06:56PM

Thanks alot it did work for me.

You're a star.

melissa - Jul 9, 2009 05:59PM

holding the apple button and pressing s does not work for me, and also how do you create a new admin ?

Thanks!

debsy - Aug 13, 2009 10:13PM

are you pressing them just after the chimes stop?

kwells - Jul 14, 2009 03:29PM

This worked beautifully for me on my iMac. Thanks for saving me an enormous amount of time, frustration and money!

ace - Aug 10, 2009 07:40PM

THAT's what the internet is for....thanks! you just saved me a night of head-banging.

debsy - Aug 13, 2009 08:19PM

thankyou, am happy it worked for me!

debsy - Aug 13, 2009 09:59PM

step 4 i cannot complete, delete the old admin account, as it has password i cannot retrieve

debsy - Aug 16, 2009 03:40AM

I sucessfully created an admin account, although when i try to delete the old, account who I have made standard, they have a master password and I cannot remove it. Please help me remove the passworded standard account now! many thanks

robinlh12 - Aug 16, 2009 04:25PM

Thanks! I had to try it twice to get my spaces in the commands correct, but it worked. And now I'm the new owner of an iBook G4 in my family of Macs. ;-)

alpal - Aug 21, 2009 09:56PM

xpcman--you are amazing! I can't thank you enough for your advice. I have been searching and working for hours to fix my problem with the login not working, and I am a total techo-rube. Your advice was right on, and you saved me from spending money, more time wasted, and oodles of continued frustration. You are my new computer guru. Thank you!

wittsy - Aug 25, 2009 10:50AM

Just a quick note to thank you for your advice on getting past the password on Mac OS X
I have messed around with downloading all sorts and following crap code. Your solution without the asterix works a treat. Well done - you are the man!

ngineer mac - Aug 27, 2009 01:17PM

Hello xpcman,

I'm very impressed with your solution and wondering if this will work on Powerbooks as well? I sent my old machine in for a replaced hard drive and superdrive. It came back with a password and the tech doesn't have any idea what pword they might have used?

Thanks!
Skot

xpcman 7228Posts Wednesday October 8, 2008Registration date ModeratorStatus May 21, 2013Last seen - Aug 27, 2009 03:18PM

I have not tested this method so I can't make any recommendation. Many people have posted success and a few want my neck for destroying their computer. Try at your own risk.

Good Luck

Wicked - Sep 7, 2009 09:39AM

wicked,worked first time

bellarti - Sep 7, 2009 03:20PM

Thanks, again, expcman! Great advice and instructions! It worked perfectly!!!

NEWINMAC - Sep 11, 2009 09:05PM

THANKS A LOT YOUR INFORMATION WAS VERY USEFUL FOR ME. YOU SAVE ME......THANKS AGAIN

ecb - Sep 13, 2009 11:20AM

You are a genius! I'm so not computer savvy yet was able to do this. thank you for sharing.

Rune Baggersgaard - Sep 16, 2009 03:39AM

Hey, i've followed the guide how to make a new admin password, and i worked perfect. but another problem have occured, when i try to go on safari or any other program it want the original key i used for the first admin, and i can't remember that... How do i remove it ?

-Regards a lost mac user..

l3v - Sep 24, 2009 07:44PM

workd a treat thanks xpc

dorian - Oct 10, 2009 09:45AM

i see that u have helped a lot of people . i have a problem with my friends macbook . a friend of mine brought to me a macbook . he doesnt know to much about macs . the problem is that someone was playing with username and password and changed them . so how can i acces my macbook now ? when i open it it shows in the very beginning username and password . all i can do is shutdown , restart or sleep thats about it . ur help will be very appreciated . thank u a lot .

xpcman 7228Posts Wednesday October 8, 2008Registration date ModeratorStatus May 21, 2013Last seen - Oct 10, 2009 03:27PM

corrected text

1.REBOOT
2. COMMAND & S (AFTER YOU HERE THE CHIME)
3.AFTER TEXT PROMPT ENTER IN THESE TERMINAL COMMANDS (PRESS ENTER AFTER EACH LINE)

mount -w /
rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
shutdown -h now

****make sure to use spaces and capital letters EXACTLY as shown in the terminal commands above****

IT will not WORK if you don't type it EXACTLY like this

joe - Oct 27, 2009 03:17PM

Thankyou Xpc man
Worked like a charm

Triix › xpcman - Dec 31, 2009 11:09AM

I typed the commands exactly as stated. After typing -- rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone -- I get "/var/db/.AppleSetupDone: No such file or directory" --- do you know why that is? Is there a way around that?

need - Jan 3, 2010 05:12PM

I am getting the same problem now my computer
is doing the same thing. Has it messed up the harddrive? Was yours fixed?

triix › xpcman - Jan 4, 2010 01:43PM

Good Afternoon,

I typed in the commands exactly as you stated (case sensitive). After entering the "rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone" command, I receive the message, "No such file or directory". I'm assuming this means it has already been deleted, however, now when the computer reboots it stops at the spinning wheel. Do you know what the problem is? If so, do you know how to correct it?

Are the commands different since I have Panther?

JR - Mar 8, 2010 11:09PM

hi

How you doing,

Im Stuck With The Same Problem
I Have A Macbook I Tried To Type The Code For Reset Password It Didnt Work Now My Computer Wont Boot Up Show The White Screen With The Wheel Spining .. Im Wondering If U Got To Solve The Problem

Thanks

eazymonk › xpcman - Jan 7, 2010 11:36AM

hi ,Pls i hav tried this but it aint working and i keep getting on restartin the Mac the white screen with the ring in loop .

G.J › xpcman - Jan 22, 2010 02:50PM

Hi man i recieved a previodly owend macbook but it has the guys name as the admin and his password the text you typed on the forrums did not help me plz im really want to get rid of the password plz and admin name reply plz

Link - Oct 12, 2009 01:43PM

You are a genius. That worked wonderfully. Thanks so much to you and everyone that posts solutions for similar problems.What would we do without people like you? Link.

Sid1234 - Oct 18, 2009 06:10AM

XPCMAN

Thanks for your advice on resetting password it worked an absolute treat much appreciated. I have tried untold different so called solutions and yours is simple and very effective big 10/10

Shay - Oct 20, 2009 10:33PM

Before I tried to get another admin p/w that I lost I want to know would it erase my picture files and others out of the computer? Scared to try it! might mess my pc up!!

anitalite!! - Oct 24, 2009 06:05PM

THANKS Dude! This technique worked like a charm, you're awesome!

Holster - Oct 29, 2009 07:35PM

Thank you so much - this is exactly what I was looking for!

waxdoll - Oct 31, 2009 09:09PM

Thanks for posting this! I'M setting up a couple of old 2nd hand Macs for extra learning - and one seller didnt know password!

alex - Nov 3, 2009 08:46PM

how to enter terminal

lany22 - Nov 5, 2009 03:26PM

I have the same problem, I can't get into my mac at all I forgot the login password and I lost my disk. What is apple + s?

xpcman 7228Posts Wednesday October 8, 2008Registration date ModeratorStatus May 21, 2013Last seen - Nov 5, 2009 03:27PM

The Apple key plus the s key pressed at the same time

papis - Dec 8, 2009 08:46PM

works like a champ my brother,you are one genius,thanks a lot

oldguy › xpcman - Feb 10, 2010 12:12AM

I am another extremely grateful user of your terminal change advice, which worked smartly when I realized I had to insert a space here and there. My heartfelt thanks, xpcman

macuser31 - Nov 7, 2009 07:19AM

Hi xpc man, recently my macbook would not recognise my passwords, the startup nor the admin. I didn't change them and I am the only one who uses this computer, so I don't know what happened. So I followed your instructions and it worked like a charm! The only problem is I can't find any of my files, no music, no pictures, nothing. I rebooted as a brand new computer. I am really desperate I have really important stuff in this computer and I don't know what to do. Do you have any ideas that might help me? Thanx.

macguyver1 - Nov 29, 2009 02:51PM

You created a brand new Admin User Account.

Open System Preferences to confirm valid user accounts.
If your old user exists you can reset the password for the account.

Or try looking in

/Macintosh HD/Users/

for the User Home Folder.

hunniedipp 1Posts Wednesday November 11, 2009Registration date - Nov 11, 2009 11:36PM

Ive done this before to two of my mac's and it worked .. however when i tried this time it wont allow me to finish creating an account. it ask's me to create a new admin name and pw but the "CONTINUE BUTTON" isnt highlighted so i cant do anything.. please help!! this is my moms comp and she is pretty pissed lol anyone who has completed this reset successfully please contact me this is and ibook G4 i need serious help to get my moms laptop up and running

macguyver1 - Nov 29, 2009 02:59PM

Try it again, start over.

worst scenario
reinstall New System Folder ( NOT a Clean Install )
Your files will still be there.
Maybe have to fuss with configuring or installing some apps.

steveb7 - Nov 13, 2009 03:50PM

great work, it was almost toooo easy. thanks for the port

laniyah marie 1Posts Sunday November 22, 2009Registration date - Nov 22, 2009 08:28PM

hello how r u doing ..... I'm kind of having a dilemma i found me a mac-book OS x on the train about a month ago and i was wondering if there was a way to get into it with out buying the disc to reset the computer .... its asking for an account password but i don't have it ... and there isn't a name on the computer or else i would have went on face book or myspace to find the person its just a nick name ... if u can help me please contacty me a.s.a.p.... thank you

sincerly,

Laniyah Marie

gdaltry - Nov 29, 2009 09:57AM

you Rock!

macguyver1 - Nov 29, 2009 02:35PM

Thank You for that tip XpcMan.
It worked well for me, after disabling the
(http://www.securemac.com/openfirmwarepasswordprotection.php)

Note to others.
This Brings up the OOBE.
(It will boot like a Brand New Install)

macguyver1 - Nov 30, 2009 12:45PM

successful on intel MacBook OS X.4 and intel MacBook Pro OS X.5 (also a G4 according to another post)

FYI to the novices:
This creates a brand NEW Computer Administrator user account.
It will boot like the day you bought your mac or newly installed. (It is NOT a fresh install)
It will prompt you for all your info again (owner registration , .Mac account, etc.) but create a new username for this new account then Previously existing accounts will be untouched.

When logged in, open System Preferences.
Open Accounts. (prefpane)
All existing user accounts will be there.
Select the user account you wish to reset password or change account permissions.
Logout then Login to the changed account.
(Optional) Delete the newly created account.

If not seeing accounts:
Look in
Macintosh HD/Users/
for the user folder that contains the files you want.
(you can then take ownership of a folder and its contents if needed, unless encrypted, corrupted etc.)
Get Info (command + I) of the selected Folder/File
change ownership/permissions (at the bottom of the properties window)

If No Boot:
Try "Target Disk" mode
Start up holding "T" key. (for a few seconds)
You will see a firewire symbol on the screen.
Your Mac is now an external HDD/DVD/CD device that can be connected to another Mac.
Rescue your files to your preferred media.

While there are a number of ways to skin a cat (Cheetah, Puma, Jaguar, Panther, Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard)
these are a few simple tips.
hope this helps a few

Thanks Again XpcMan I'm a Freelance IT and this tip saved a clients mac as well as a satisfied client.
B-)

macrob1 - Jan 4, 2010 01:30PM

Hi Macguyver1,

thanks for the info, all worked well except when I go into the accounts, I can´t reset the password on the account I want to change, Reset Password isn´t highlighted. I can reset the other accounts on there, but not my original one.
I did use FileVault at one point (never again!) and there was a Master Password set up which stopped working for some unknown reason.
I realize this is probably 2 separate problems but I thought a could reset the Master Password as well using your method.
Any advice would be very appreciated. Thanks for your help.

MacGuyVer1 - Jan 7, 2010 12:28PM

macrob1,
You are correct - 2 different issues.
File Vault is an 'on the fly' encryption/decryption feature. (files in that account are useless without the account password)
Master Password can only be reset/undone if the Master Password is known. Intended for resetting accounts, not File Vault encryption.

As far as I know there is no way around those issues.

xavier › macguyver1 - Feb 22, 2010 05:11PM

Mine had no boot..is there anyway to boot it up again without the disk? Im going crazy...it's stuck at the spinning icon powers off then turns back on doing the same thing...HELP let me know at xavy77@gmail.com

alex2009 - Dec 11, 2009 10:04PM

helow my friend ,i just want le you know thats great soluction that you post here,i geet new passwor and user name,thank you for help me out,apretiation!!!!

miutu - Dec 12, 2009 01:37PM

i need to change my password but i forgot wat was my password can u help me i realy need the password please

luckylatinouk - Dec 12, 2009 01:38PM

THANKS BUDDY I OWE YOU A BIG ONE 20 YEARS OF MY MUSIC AND POETRY BACK ON LINE.
BEST REGARDS AND MAY YOU LIVE FOR EVER A HEALTHY AND WEALTHY LIFE.

joshstpierre - Dec 13, 2009 07:40AM

I've been trying to do what you said but when I hold down apple+s after the chime it does not work

blaze - Dec 28, 2009 01:38PM

its not working for me

chensi - Dec 31, 2009 10:37PM

I can't remove .AppleSetupDone.
Because It's System file.
i'm very sad. :(

LM - Jan 2, 2010 07:23PM

this didn't work for me. i tried it twice. what version of Mac OSX is this for?

hills - Jan 6, 2010 05:35AM

thankyou xpcman been trying this for over a month and finially worked.
your the man my boii !!!

thx4sharing - Jan 11, 2010 01:56PM

thx xpcman for the explanation
i lost my admin password for my MB
before i try out your solution, just wanted to double check there will be no personal information loss (docs, photos,etc..sorry if question is all too simple, but i am a recent macbie..)
thx again!

tony - Jan 14, 2010 02:16PM

thank's xpcman, U save my wife and i alot of headache and not to mentioned A very expensive laptop. I could never thank u enough. stay cool!

tony & family,

chris.tj - Jan 16, 2010 06:33PM

this fakinng workeed perfectlyyy!!!! TY!!!!

KLAPPS - Jan 17, 2010 11:30AM

Man that works a charm on 20" intel 500 G 4GB
just wish my hard drive was not swapping at startup every now & then to network drive
I addressed it in sys pref lets see what happens
Keep up the good work, The computer world needs more helpers & less wankers
if it messes with me again i am putting Ubuntu on it!!!
Thanks for real
Klapps

NewMacMan - Jan 21, 2010 07:58PM

Worked like a charm, Thanks!!!

jessica - Jan 21, 2010 11:38PM

OMG...thanks so much, this was so easy.. :-)

starr - Jan 22, 2010 01:59AM

hey so im reading the forum on http://en.kioskea.net/... which obviosly explains my problem in the name, you seem to be the most knowledgable one on here. i have a pretty good problem with my older brothers macbook and am getting to the point where i need some help. Brother has a macbook and is no longer with us, trying to finish up some other afairs and move on but its a no go on his password on his laptop, any ideas on how to get into it with out the disk. would appriciate the help on putting this matter to rest. thanks for your time.

dfg - Jan 22, 2010 02:00AM

sdfgsrtgasrgt

J - Jan 22, 2010 07:43AM

Thank you thank you thank you. I was referred to your post from a completely unrelated site, where I had been bewailing the problems I was having getting my dead brother's laptop sorted out because it was password protected etc etc etc. You are fantastic! Thanks again.

Sam - Jan 25, 2010 01:58AM

THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

Mac Guy - Jan 25, 2010 10:04AM

Thanks! This script worked as you said on my G4. Also gives you access to any existing admin acct besides providing a new acct, so you don't lose any old files in the User directory. On reboot, the OS comes up as if it were a first time use off the original DVD.

Why can't anyone on this list speak English?? Learn it or enjoy your crashed Mac.

MG

mgenn - Jan 27, 2010 09:56PM

Brilliant! Thank you so much!!!

cjroche77 - Jan 30, 2010 09:38PM

can i undo what i have done here?

Chrispy - Feb 1, 2010 08:15PM

Thanks for your help...

Eric - Feb 8, 2010 06:28PM

Thanks....very nice and it worked perfect!

Coma - Feb 11, 2010 01:04PM

Fantastic man !!! it works just fine! thanx ! you are a genius !

But;-)
I have forgoten to backup all my data such as photos and music :- (
now I am logged into new admin and I dont have access to my data coz I dont now the password to the old admin !
Do you know how can I get back to that old admin so I can backup all my data so I can move it in to my new admin ????

moniwill - Feb 15, 2010 07:29PM

Fortunately, I have an iMac OSX and have tried this and it worked like a charm the very first time. Unfortunately, for my mother, she has a Dell she hasn't used for a really long time and also can't remember her admin psswrd. Is there a similar technique that will work for pc?

xpcman 7228Posts Wednesday October 8, 2008Registration date ModeratorStatus May 21, 2013Last seen - Feb 18, 2010 12:39PM

This should work: for Windows PCs

I downloaded EBCD (http://ebcd.pcministry.com/). It's an ISO that basically has a Linux flavor on it but it boots straight into an easy-to-use menu. You just select the windows password reset option, select the defaults for file locations, and then select the user and the password to change. I've used it on Windows 2000 machines, Windows XP machines, Windows 2000 Server machine. Works flawlessly. One recommendation: If you do use it, just use * as the new password. This will blank out the old password. Then you can boot into windows and safely login with no password and change it to whatever you like. Sometimes these utilities have issues with different flavors of windows re-encrypting a new password so it's best to just blank it out.

You will need to take the ISO file and use CD burner software to burn a CD. You must use the "burn a CD from a Disk Image" (or some option like that) that uses the Image file (ISO file) as input and burns a multi-file bootable CD.

Good Luck

scott - Feb 18, 2010 10:48AM

its telling me error:illeagal

phil - Feb 21, 2010 08:06PM

does this work with 10.5.6 snow leopard?

Ramanujam - Feb 25, 2010 09:46AM

Thanks alot. It works great!

zepita - Mar 1, 2010 02:49PM

Man, thanks a lot for this solutions, just perfect!

And I dont lose nothing from my old account. You create another account with admin privileges and then remove you old pass from your old account. work just perfect. thanks again!

adeel - Mar 3, 2010 12:27AM

hi man iam facing problem that i did every part and restart it and its on a new acc setup but it didnt give me the option to change language in english any idea what do i have to do

A.T - Mar 8, 2010 03:12AM

dear XPCman ,

i cannot access to my files and cannot download anything on my macbook pro have system 10.4.11
no System X cd or dvd is working :(

and strange things happened in my system preferences in user account i dont see anything blank...!!!!! lost my admin name and password .....

i don't know what to do i read your command + S advise but where is terminal i am sorry i can't get it !!!

ganimal-mac-guy - Mar 17, 2010 01:25AM

i tried the command + s and it did not work. i have tried many many times and it just keeps loading the computer normally and going right to the login. i have a macbook leopard 10.5.8. I have a guest account and cannot change a thing. i try and open many programs and it says it is not on the selected list of applications. any advice you could give me would be great. if only the people i bought from gave me the admin password!

iqbal - Mar 19, 2010 02:00PM

thanks for ur advice xpcman..... my ibook is back n normal for password admin.....
from iqbal , indonesia

Joel - Mar 19, 2010 03:48PM

IT WORKED,,, THANK YOU!!!!!

AMAZING,

Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!!!

Joe - Mar 20, 2010 09:34AM

i did it but i dont know how to delete the old admin and become it again

Treefrog - Mar 21, 2010 09:37AM

It worked for me.

Drakan - Mar 21, 2010 07:52PM

you rock! it worked.. and i aint the best.. and i called apple and then wanted me to join apple care!

aftab - Mar 25, 2010 03:53PM

worked great for me. thank you so much.

somadi - Mar 27, 2010 12:01AM

iThis didn't work for me, I'll keep trying, thank you.

CRIMINAL NO.1 - Mar 28, 2010 08:53AM

MATE YOU ARE A LEGEND!!

UP THE CRIMINALS WITH THEIR STOLEN LAPTOPS!!!! YEEEEEHAAAAA

thanks - Mar 29, 2010 02:46PM

Thanks worked like a charm on my Macbook Pro 10.6

hotbum40 - Mar 29, 2010 10:56PM

but what about the vaults???

Mario - Mar 30, 2010 11:28AM

works like a charm!! thanks so much dude!!

KT - Mar 31, 2010 01:11PM

Wow! It worked. I had been trying to figure this out for weeks.

alex - Apr 1, 2010 11:52PM

I. LOVE. YOU.

Andy - Apr 2, 2010 11:56AM

mine is asking for a password still and its still locked?

dhill313 - Apr 4, 2010 01:10PM

i did that and my computer just turned off...and doesnt wants to turn back on
what happen

Paul - Apr 4, 2010 06:24PM

See bottom

eva - Apr 5, 2010 12:02PM

Excellent, works 100%. Thanks

apolonia - Apr 6, 2010 04:22PM

How can I change the password to my administrator from a standard user of a laptop? PLEASE help me because I need to do my school work! PLEASE WITH A CHERRY ON TOP?

apolonia - Apr 6, 2010 04:23PM

and my laptop does not have a CD drive!

cenan1 - Apr 7, 2010 10:41AM

That was awesome...worked like a charm and the first time too!! Thanks so much!

WhaahaYes - Apr 7, 2010 02:17PM

After 3 years of searching for a solution... YOUR AMAZING!!! Thanks so much!!

rick - Apr 8, 2010 04:17AM

i love u thank u very much

MYA - Apr 8, 2010 12:32PM

worked instantly. a very helpful procedure.

lceeze - Apr 8, 2010 12:39PM

thank you this has worked!!

dannyboy276 - Apr 8, 2010 01:36PM

i get to the black screen with all of the white letters after i press the cmnd s thing, but i cant figure out where i write the long code coz when i write it on the black screen the line i write on always presses return 4 itself along with this weird code that keeps repeating itself :/ any help??

Zidane - Apr 10, 2010 05:01PM

Thank you for this tip fella!! OMG You Save me $200 bucks! I couldn't remember the admin password, so I took my MacBook Pro to the shop and the guy there wanted to charge me $200 Lucky me I found this tip here and It worked.

Ruby - Apr 13, 2010 07:16AM

One very stupid question: If I manage to do this, will all my data still be there afterwards?

Timbo - Apr 13, 2010 02:09PM

Just bought Mac - silly cow i got it off doesnt know password, this sorted me right out, thanks XPCMAN

Famos - Apr 14, 2010 01:56AM

Perfect Goodlooking out.

macsucsPCrules - Apr 14, 2010 11:02AM

no such animal - after reboot, I get this gift at the bottom of the screen:

If you want to make modifications to files:
/sbin/fsck -fy
/sbin/mount -uw /

if you wish to boot the sysem:
exit

:/ root#
(how do I access the administrator information from here?)

glenboy - Apr 15, 2010 11:52AM

Awesome.......took 5 mins then i had a new admin account sorted.....MINT !!!!

Cheers

nuke - Apr 15, 2010 01:01PM

i have an old g4 desktop and i also need to change my admin. password to log in but ive tried what you you have on forum but nothing is there nother code to be entered in these older macs and also when i was not locked i tried to install a program but it didi not let me cause it asked for a password to proceed i just need a detailed layout on how to unlocke this mac with mac os x can you please help me.

liz! - Apr 17, 2010 01:45PM

Okay, so how do you accomplish the first step? How do you reboot it? Someone help?

Lynette - Apr 17, 2010 07:39PM

I have an iMac G5 10.4 & have been unable to get into my computer for 3 weeks - tried nearly everything the geeks recommend. This has worked like a charm - I am just about in tears as I am so thrilled! Thank you so much for your efforts, an appreciative Kiwi.

mc - Apr 18, 2010 01:40PM

I did everything as followed but it did not restart it just shut down please help out ......

Anonymous User - Apr 19, 2010 03:28PM

I reset it exactly as you said and after choosing my default language when I reboot it will go no further. Please help!

foxy - Apr 19, 2010 08:18PM

This worked very well! I seriously thought I was going to have to track down a disc-I've been frustrated for weeks. THX!

Anonymous - Apr 20, 2010 07:48AM

Whenever I open up this root terminal thing, my computer is always broken. I would not suggest doing this, even if you do know what you're doing.

Michelle - Apr 20, 2010 10:45PM

Works perfectly. You can even go to system preferences and reset your password to your other account. Then delete the one you just made. Absolutely works. Non problems. Worked first time.

warrior princess - Apr 21, 2010 10:21AM

this is awesome!!! i seldom leave comments but this really works. idiotproof, and it certainly destressed my mac and myself. way to go!t hanks so much xpcman!!!!! :) cheers!!

JC - Apr 21, 2010 02:18PM

hittin return after each line i dont really get that. can anybody explain me?

ahm - Apr 21, 2010 04:45PM

this doesn't delete the files on the existing user account, right?

warrior princess - Apr 22, 2010 02:54AM

JC: hitting return just means the enter key on your keyboard;
ahm: no it doesn't! this is simply brilliant :)

Willid - Apr 22, 2010 09:42PM

This worked like a friggin charm! Thank you so much! If you were here I would buy you a pint!
Cheers

somebody - Apr 23, 2010 10:48AM

secy hack

mr.blueballz - Apr 24, 2010 09:19AM

wat chime

jimelmo - Apr 24, 2010 10:19AM

Hey XPCMAN!!
A sincere note of thanks for your expertise! I jsut bought a used iBook G4 for general apps and I had the same issue of no admin password. Your script worked perfectly!!!

Many thanks from the Rocky Mountains!!!

thankful - Apr 24, 2010 10:19AM

you are a life saver!

macdac - Apr 25, 2010 12:48PM

it didnt work for me on snow leopard. I couldnt able to delete .AppleSetupDone

macdac - Apr 25, 2010 01:16PM

FANTASTIC now it works

MacPro - Apr 26, 2010 05:47PM

DUDE YOU F'n ROCK!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT =)

Celie - Apr 26, 2010 07:05PM

When I clicked the Apple key+ s key after the chine, all that happened is it opened to the Internet, just as if I did nothing different. How can I get to the terminal commands without clicking command s

neil_neo - Apr 27, 2010 05:50AM

Thanks Buddy! Worked a treat!

c.v.e - Apr 27, 2010 08:59PM

thank you!!!

Natalie - Apr 29, 2010 02:48AM

It allowed me a new password, but I think I lost all my movies I made in imovie, photos, docs, etc!!! I had my old comps hard drive installed on this computer a while back... they seem to be gone! What now? Oh no.....

peter - Apr 30, 2010 02:51AM

Help!! I followed your instructions and my computer restarted as if new. I then set up my user password. So now I have a "clean" computer, as if I'm a new user. BUT all my previous photos, documents, etc, etc are nowhere to be seen. <USERS> shows the folder "appleimac", the previous identity for which I had no password and no disk, thus stopping me installing new software, etc. But I can't get access; my folders are there within "appleimac", but I'm told I don't "have sufficient access privileges". I can start afresh with my "new identity", but all my previous stuff is locked away -temporarily, I hope! HELP!!!! G5 (imac)

Jehnavi - May 6, 2010 06:48AM

Now we really like this technology, it automatically activates and deactivates the graphic card according to your needs. You also have other laptops which give you a manual switch for turning the graphic card on and off.
http://www.onlinenotebook.com/

D - May 9, 2010 06:09PM

Thank You. Worked great!

sinsay - May 10, 2010 09:58AM

Man you're a lifesaver! Worked perfectly the first time. Please people pay close attention to the spaces!

sinsay - May 13, 2010 10:27PM

you are a genius!

surferjoe2020 2Posts Monday May 24, 2010Registration date May 26, 2010Last seen - May 24, 2010 07:10PM

XPCMan Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks ...I Can't Thank You Enough...You Are The Gre@est!
You Saved Me $200 :)) If Ever You Are In Manila Give Me A Buzz Ill Buy You Dinner...

Roman - Oct 8, 2012 07:38PM

Thanks greatly, man! Worked perfectly:))

nikranj - Oct 9, 2012 07:46PM

it is not working form me.everytime i put in the first command and press enter it says command not found

salsafreak - Oct 10, 2012 12:16PM

It's not working for me neither. Any other suggestions ?

david - Oct 11, 2012 08:05PM

thank you!!!!

cnapca43 - Oct 12, 2012 02:48PM

i tried that but it didn't work!!!

moyamoy 2Posts Sunday October 28, 2012Registration date October 28, 2012Last seen - Oct 28, 2012 02:06PM

works on my macbook pro,i am running Lion, thank you

Answer

+1337

homepup Jul 5, 2009 04:20PM

http://bigmaconcampus.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/reset-mac-password-the-easy-way/

Answer

+165

rlavendier Sep 5, 2009 06:22PM

command + s doesnt work on my macbook ive tried it a million times

Answer

+154

Dorps332 Nov 7, 2009 09:37AM

Make sure the you do not space in between the db/.Apple and use capital letters where they are in the code and it will work

# Reboot
# Hold apple + s down after you hear the chime.
# 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

# 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!

droif - Apr 3, 2010 06:15AM

No matter hw I try the db part will not work

Paul - Apr 4, 2010 06:25PM

it is fantastic saved my £200

Nickname - Apr 14, 2010 12:25PM

Make sure you use capital letters correctly. Unix is weird compared to a Windows machine

liz - Apr 17, 2010 01:05AM

How do you reboot it though?

newbee on mac's - Apr 17, 2010 01:09AM

Worked like a charm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gold_fox - Apr 19, 2010 02:22AM

any time i do the second line it keeps say no such File or Directory and I'm doing it right

dt - May 2, 2010 02:52AM

I followed the instructions but 1the mac comes up with a chime and never boots completely..help

dee - May 8, 2010 06:04PM

it created a new account, but it's still asking for the same password. It's using the same hint!

Answer

+103

xxkandiex Jun 21, 2009 02:49PM

I need help!! I just bought a used macbook pro off of some women and there was a password on it and she said there wasn't such thing, so my boyfriend tried going into the system to try to change the root name and password, but when he did that, the computer does not let me go past the main loading screen with the circle, so now I'm trying to figure out how to change it to a default name and I don't have the disk. I'm so frustrated with it. Can someone please help me with it??

Answer

+90

.......... Nov 6, 2009 12:24AM

another way is to hack system preferences by putting it on the desktop and right clicking then go to package contents and recources then go to something called NSPrefPaneGroups.xml and drag it onto the desktop, after that whenever you open system preferences it will come up with a little bar and you can go to view up in the corner and go to anything u want. after that go to set master password in security after you have completed that log out, then in the log in screen type the admin username and get the password wrong about 6 or 7 times after that it will say type masterpassword to reset password and then you change the password

LM - Jan 3, 2010 05:29PM

it isnt working because I need the admin password to se t the master password

Abe - Apr 11, 2010 05:53PM

it works when u do it properly.....goodjob of finding a different way to hack and disable password...props to ya bro worked for me :)

mari - Apr 19, 2010 04:12AM

how do u put the system preferences on the desktop?

henry - Apr 23, 2010 09:51PM

WHAT DO I DO AFTER I TYPED EVERYTHINGG?
i pressed return again but idk what elsee to do it just stays ont he screen.
im pretty sure i typed allt he spaces right and everything.
PLEASE HELPP! I REALLY NEEED THIS!!

Answer

+80

PLEASE HELP ME Dec 2, 2009 10:59PM

ok so it worked great to me
i did exactly that
and it ddint say failed or anything.. it looked like it passed it went through
BUT WHEN I GO TO CHANGE MY PASSWORD, IT WONT LET ME CAUSE MY OLD PASWORD IS STIL THERE
HELP?
except when i wrote " rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone"
it said something after that, and then a question mark (?)
i didnt know what to tupe so i kept it blank
and then proceeded
when i went ot the account setting, my password was still there
HELP?

Answer

+78

OS X 10.4 user Mar 13, 2010 08:43AM

Whenever I do the applesetupdone part... this is what happens
Ok This is exactly what happens: I type in rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone and then I get this back : override rw- - - - - - root/wheel for /var/db/.AppleSetupDone?

What do I say to that??

So its asking me to remove applesetupdone I assume but what do I say?

Answer

+52

macattack Apr 26, 2010 04:52PM

It very simple.....
First you need to restart your computer and from there you boot up in Single User mode. Doing this will give you access the system to get Admin rights. Very important to include all spaces " /sbin/mount -uw /" . It should say something like it removed some files. now type " rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone" . Finally type reboot

D - May 7, 2010 01:59PM

Thank so much mac i'v tried so many thing to fix this thing and couldn't this worked great thanks again

Answer

+44

helpp porfavor Apr 25, 2010 05:14PM

im scared that if i do this wrong that there will be lasting changes or problems to my computer
this ONLY changes the admin right? everything else stays the same... because if i mess up my computer my parents will murder me.

Answer

+36

erpan May 19, 2009 05:23PM

THIS IS WORKING ON ALL MACBOOKS ive tested it on.

macbook pro unibody, macbook pro 2006 model......... even macbook g4.

Great work

Answer

+31

AK May 10, 2010 09:40PM

ok, this is the most simple way to do it. u start by turning it on, and when you hear the chime, hold command & S together for bout 3 seconds. wait for it to load. then if you look at the list above, youll see two things to type that starts with sbin. type the 2nd one, not the first.ONLY the Second one. then type in rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
then it should go bakk to root. now type in reboot. There you go!

Answer

+27

beto4632 1Posts Tuesday March 9, 2010Registration date March 9, 2010Last seen Mar 9, 2010 12:35AM

i did the whole process now when i try to register my computer my keyboard wont work every time i press a key it gives me a chime. how can i fix this thank you.

lola - Apr 7, 2010 03:19PM

WOW..this works..AWESOME!!!

anonymous - Apr 9, 2010 10:11AM

THANK YOU

henry - Apr 23, 2010 09:46PM

cityboy - May 5, 2010 03:55PM

thankkkkkkkkkkkk youuuuuuuuuuuu sooooooooooo muchhhhhhhh

Answer

+25

donna Apr 3, 2010 08:02PM

forgot my password on my laptop-

Answer

+24

tunameltman Jun 15, 2009 09:36PM

I am running a 667mhz powerbook g4 15" with os 10.4.11 and I don't have the mac os disks and dont remember my admin password, will this work with this setup?

Answer

+16

cbak231 May 27, 2009 04:31PM

This method...I Love you

Answer

+14

patrick Dec 27, 2009 11:46PM

ok every time i type step 2 its crap it just says no such ile or directory what is up with this
pls email me anyone pat.pitts@us.army.mil

Answer

+13

dultim8 1Posts Sunday June 7, 2009Registration date Jun 8, 2009 06:50AM

hi. Will this work on a macbook 13in??

Debsy - Sep 11, 2009 02:04AM

It worked beautifully on my macbook 13 inch black, so yes.

Answer

+12

Jay Nov 29, 2009 03:43PM

Thank you very much! This is a wonderful method!

Answer

+11

the gorgon May 30, 2009 12:18AM

Thank you, worked beautifully when i figured out the space issue. You rock!!!!!!

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Change Mac admin password without the disk [Solved/Closed]

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