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smeurett · Jun 9, 2007, 07:06 PM

I just bought a macbook on ebay-problem is, it did not include the software disks and requires a passwork for software updates. I have no idea what the previous password was and the password hint doesn't help. Is there a way to reset this? I tried getting the password from the seller but it was a "gift" from a friend. And yes...I have contacted the police to see if the 'book is stolen.

BTW, it is a black macbook, 1 G ram, 120 gig HD, macbook core 2 duo (when did these come out? 2006 or 2007?

Thanks,

ibook_steve · Jun 10, 2007, 12:55 AM

You need some system disk to get to the reset password utility. Or to just wipe the drive and start over. You can get recent disks from Apple.

Steve

dn15 · Jun 10, 2007, 05:54 PM

If (and only if) you don't care about the user account that is already there, you can do the following. Just don't type the wrong thing because you can screw it up if you delete the wrong file and then you'll have to reinstall from the original disc.

1. Start in single-user mode (hold down the Apple/Command key and the letter "S" as you start the computer.)
2. At the prompt, type "mount -uw /" without the quotes and hit Return.
3. Type "rm -rf /var/db/netinfo/local.nidb" without the quotes and hit Return.
4. Type "rm -rf /var/db/.AppleSetupDone" also without quotes and hit Return.
5. Type "exit" and hit Return. The computer will boot to the setup assistant just like the first time it was ever powered on. You can proceed to set up the computer with the name and password of your choice, then delete the old home folder from /Users if you wish.

mpancha · 08:35 PM

the easiest, non-damaging way is to do a reset of the admin password via the OS X install CD/DVD.

Put in the DVD, boot off of it (restart computer, hold down C key until computer boots.

Once the setup has begun, there is a menu option (I can't remember what it says off the top of my head), but in the menu you have the option of resetting the admin password. Once you have done that, restart (using the power key/apple -> restart). Log into OS X using root and the password you just set, and once in OS X, you can reset passwords for all acounts now that you have the Root password.

--

here's a link that will more easily answer the question: Mac OS X 10.3 Help: Changing your administrator password

Cold Warrior · Jun 10, 2007, 08:59 PM

He said he doesn't have the discs.

mpancha · Jun 10, 2007, 09:10 PM

whoops... completely missed that even though it was the first line.

amazing · Jun 11, 2007, 08:23 PM

Contact the ebay seller and insist on getting the disks. Or else buy Universal install disks.

smeurett · Jun 12, 2007, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by dn15

If (and only if) you don't care about the user account that is already there, you can do the following. Just don't type the wrong thing because you can screw it up if you delete the wrong file and then you'll have to reinstall from the original disc.

1. Start in single-user mode (hold down the Apple/Command key and the letter "S" as you start the computer.)
2. At the prompt, type "mount -uw /" without the quotes and hit Return.
3. Type "rm -rf /var/db/netinfo/local.nidb" without the quotes and hit Return.
4. Type "rm -rf /var/db/.AppleSetupDone" also without quotes and hit Return.
5. Type "exit" and hit Return. The computer will boot to the setup assistant just like the first time it was ever powered on. You can proceed to set up the computer with the name and password of your choice, then delete the old home folder from /Users if you wish.

dn15-
Thanks,
and no, I don't care about the user account that is already there, I want mine now as admin and (I'll be the only user anyway)...so your suggestion will work? I'd like to try that. If that doesn't work, I can try getting disks from somewhere. Would it help to try and contact Apple with the serial number-do they have a phone number where one can actually talk to a human???

dn15 · Jun 13, 2007, 05:30 AM

Yes, the steps I wrote above would accomplish what you want and your new user will be the administrator. If your seller does not provide the discs then yes, the next best thing is probably to call Apple. You can't yet purchase a separate copy of Mac OS X for Intel, aside from Mac OS X Server version 10.4.7.

smeurett · Jun 13, 2007, 05:54 AM

Thanks again dn,
I don't think the seller will be of much hope-I found out the macbook is stolen! I did some digging in the hd and found 2 files that pointed to the REAL owner, did a google search (okay a whole bunch) and tracked down the person it was stolen from-she has already replaced it with a new macbook, so now I'm left with no money. Good news is the real owner will work with me so I can keep it and get the disks...after the police...ebay...paypal..insurance......