- Forgot OSX Password? Don’t Have The OSX Disk? Here’s A Tip On How to Start Over
Many times I come across someone who has forgotten their OSX admin password, or someone who has simply bought a Mac second-hand. Unfortunately, OSX requires you to enter a password for just about everything you want to install. The next problem is when the original OSX disk is missing. The admin password can be successfully changed with the original disk. Since we don’t have the disk, this is what we’ll be doing.
We’re going to create a new administrator account. This is achieved by deleting the file that is stored on the partition that tells the operating system the original setup has been completed. Upon reboot, you will be prompted with registration information.
How to create a new admin account
1. Shut down your Mac – This gives you time to prepare for the rest.
2. Turn your system on – upon post, you will hear the traditional “chime”. As soon as the chime ends, you must push and hold the apple button (command) + s. This will put your system into Single User Mode. This should allow you full root access without requiring administrator password.
After the process goes through its paces, you will be welcomed by a text prompt. This is where you will enter the commands to create a new admin account. Be sure to type everything as I have it typed, including any capitol letters and spaces.
3. Type into the text prompt:
* mount –uw / (press enter)
* rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone (press enter)
* reboot –h now (press enter)
And that’s it! You’ve just set up a new administrator account. The old account should still exist and any information should still be recoverable. Simply transfer your data from your old account to your new one. Possibly an easy solution for a hefty problem. Repair shops can charge anywhere from $50 to over $100 for something similar.
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