[Lauzin]

The usual routine... download software, the window with your username comes up, you machanically tap in the password which you've been recycling for years and ... rejected. 50 tries later, having checked details scribbled here and there confirming the password, I was stuck. I am the only user (and my wife isn't going to bother changing passwords).

So I have two problems: How could this have happened and how do I recover or change my password without reinstalling the system and therefore losing a lot of software?

All help appreciated.

[pat++]

Boot from OS X Install CD 1, and use the Reset Password option in the Installer menu.

[SupahCoolX]

Also, maybe the Caps Lock is on or something. That could cause an unrecognized password if it's case sensitive ("PASSWORD" is different from "password").

[ScotHamedia]

I had this happen once, it was simple to fix, just change it to something else. This assumes you have the root user enabled. Open your terminal, type su and enter in your root password.

now enter in passwd your_username
You will then be promted to enter in a new password 2x, all set.