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You are here: MacNN Forums > Software - Troubleshooting and Discussion > macOS > I forgot my OSX password! \

I forgot my OSX password! \
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Tiresias
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Oct 18, 2011, 09:41 AM
 
My MacBook pro has been sitting around for about a year since I got my iMac. I decided to give it to my sister in law who needs a laptop.

The problem is I have forgotten the OSX password. I've really racked my stupid brain, but even with the hint ("happy") I can't recall it!!!!!

My preferences are not set to require a password upon wake up so the machine is functional. However, she will require the password for downloading new apps etc.

I tried holding down Command-S while restarting. This was meant to take me to something (Boot Single User Mode) where I would be able to enter certain Terminal or Terminal-like commands and create a new password, but it didn't work.

Any ideas? I don't want a computer that cost me almost 2.5 grand to be basically useless as a personal computer because of my stupidity.

I am not a burglar or thief. Worst comes to worst, I could take it back to the Apple Center where I bought it but I would really like to find an easier way.

Suggestions please!!!!!
     
Spheric Harlot
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Oct 18, 2011, 09:46 AM
 
Boot it from the install disk, click through until you see a "Utilities" menu at the top for the first time, and then select "Reset Passwords..."
     
Tiresias  (op)
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Oct 18, 2011, 09:57 AM
 
Yeah, I read that.

This is the part where I will sound like some sort of half-baked computer thief but upon my grandfather's grave I have simply lost it.

I have moved apartments about 5 times in the last five years and with all the packing, unpacking, repacking the install disk for BOTH my MacBook Pro and my iMac have slipped through the cracks.

But I still have one of the boxes...
     
Tiresias  (op)
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Oct 18, 2011, 09:59 AM
 
^ I am also a compulsive minimalist and de-clutterer who likes empty surfaces and a nice clean living space. It's possible I purged them.

And I've run out of synonyms for happy. Oh the irony.
     
Waragainstsleep
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Oct 18, 2011, 10:03 AM
 
What OS does it have and what terminal commands did you use?
I have plenty of more important things to do, if only I could bring myself to do them....
     
Tiresias  (op)
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Oct 18, 2011, 10:07 AM
 
I don't know anything at all about Terminal. For a non tech guy it seems like trying to perform amateur brain surgery.

But the commands on this page

Recovering a lost root password - Mac OS X Hints

looked like Terminal.

It's OS X Version 10.5.8.
     
Tiresias  (op)
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Oct 18, 2011, 10:12 AM
 
As I said, I've tried rebooting while holding Apple-S. I sit there sedulously hold down both keys but my machine starts up as per usual...
     
angelmb
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Oct 18, 2011, 12:56 PM
 
Originally Posted by Tiresias View Post
The problem is I have forgotten the OSX password. I've really racked my stupid brain, but even with the hint ("happy") I can't recall it!!!!!
Let's make some guesses, then.
Do you have any pets, a girlfriend that makes you happy ?
Are you a happy camper, happy as a clam, happy-go-lucky?
Did you get it as birthday's present ? so it might be Happy Birthday?
Easter? New Year? Xmas War is Over ?
What makes you happy?, a movie? a song?
( Last edited by angelmb; Oct 18, 2011 at 01:03 PM. )
     
Waragainstsleep
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Oct 18, 2011, 06:20 PM
 
So you can't boot into single user mode?

Keep trying, no reason it should't work. Hold Apple-S as soon as you hit the power and keep it held down until you get the terminal-esque screen.

You want this one really:
10.5: Reset a user's password in single user mode - Mac OS X Hints
I have plenty of more important things to do, if only I could bring myself to do them....
     
reader50
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Oct 18, 2011, 06:29 PM
 
Do you reuse passwords like most people do, even though it's bad practice? If so, check some of your website / store passwords that you created around 2009 or earlier.
     
philm
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Oct 26, 2011, 06:48 PM
 
Maybe it's just the word 'happy'.
     
   
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