Reset Mac Password the Easy Way July 5, 2009
Posted by bigmaconcampus in Mac Tech.Tags: 10.5, 10.6, installation disc, leopard, Mac, Macintosh, reset password, singel-user mode, snow leopard
trackback
*** Please Note!!! ***
The instructions in the main post are for Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6. If you are using Mac OS X 10.7 or higher, you can just reboot and hold down the “R” key while it reboots to enter recovery mode. Then open the terminal and type “resetpassword” to use the password reset utility. Much easier than everything you will read in the post below. Now returning to your ancient post, already in progress…
*** Original Post ***
We are swimming in the middle of summer workshops at our University. We do these a couple of times a week and the purpose is to help introduce the new, incoming students to University specific systems, setup wireless for the school and install software. We even offer Windows for the few that might want it. All this in less than 2 hours.
A good time is had by all…
One of the problems we run into regularly is the one in 50 students that either can’t remember their Mac password (even though we ask them to try and guess it about 10 times). Or better yet, the parental units, being helpful, did the original setup for the child they love instead of letting them gain some independence and do it themselves, thereby screwing them over in their first college experience. But I digress.
When we run into this situation, we need to reset their password quickly and painlessly. Not always having installation discs handy, we resort to doing it in Single-User mode.
To do this, reboot the computer holding down the command (Apple symbol on older Macs) and ‘S’ key at the same time. After about 10 seconds or so, you’ll see a very Unix-y OS loaded. You may want to hit return a couple of times to make sure it has finished loading.
WARNING: Doing the next part will cause you to lose any saved passwords in your Keychain. If you are locked out of the Mac anyway, you really have nothing to lose though.
At this point, you have booted the computer as root and need to run the following commands:
mount -uw /
launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
ls /Users (to get the username to reset if you do not know it)
passwd username (username being the username you are resetting)
reset password (password being the new password)Sorry, realized the wording was confusing. Just type the new password and press return (nothing will show on screen while you are typing. You will need to enter it a second time to verify and ward off typos.
rm -rf /Users/username/Library/Keychains/login.keychain
reboot
After the computer reboots, you should be able to login using the new password now. Be aware, that the system will create a new login.keychain for you with no passwords in it. You can force this creation immediately by opening Safari.
p.s. This method only works on Leopard 10.5.x. or higher.
Big Mac on Campus 
AWESOME! THANK YOU SO MUCH.
This is great info. I tried so many other methods that I found on line. This was the only one that worked for a newer iMac. Thank you thank you!
Hi i try but nothing happen can you tell me what you did with the commands how you type it in one line each of them or one line please explain me exactly what you did I am no good in mac please thank you
Turn on the computer and press ‘command’ and the letter ‘S’ at the same time which will boot you into Single-user mode. Then enter each command, one at a time.
Failed on a new MAC
What specific hardware were you attempting these steps with? We’ve been holding computer setup workshops all summer and I have yet to come across any new hardware that this does not work with.
NEW iMac 10,1
OS X 10.6.4(10F569)
Hi Raymond mentions below that it will not work on OSX 10.6.4
Do you know if there is a way for this version to reset admin password?
Should work fine on 10.6. Any version.
Hi PLEASE HELP ME
I use this method and it works temporarily:
2. Turn on your computer while pressing Command+S
4. Type in /sbin/mount -uw /
5. Type in launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.Apple.DirectoryServices.plist
6. Type in dscl . -passwd /Users/username password
7. Replace username with the Account Holder’s First Name and Password with the password you want it to be.
8. Type in exit.
9. At the log on screen go ahead and log on with your new password
So I can log into the admin password and change it but when I RESTART OR SHUTDOWN the mac it REVERTS to OLD SETTINGS and I have to go through the whole process! argggg
I noticed when i did and ‘fcsk’ to check it says root mounted is read only : and wonder if this is the reason the new settings get reset. If so do you know a way round this.
PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE HELP ME
ok I find one mode to enter to the computer because I do not have the password but when try to set up start asking fgor lenguaje but when I try to anser pushing enter do not happen nothing probably I need to use another letter or another key because I use enter key for anser the options but nothing wich one I need to use please thankyou.
I PRESS THE APPLE KEY AND S BUT NOTHING HAPPENS.HELP
does this delete all your data as in music and stuff because all i want is to download some software and the mac asks me for a password and i dont have it so what do i do?
No, this will not delete anything other than any stored passwords you may have (email, IM, web accounts, server connections, etc.) that are stored in Keychain Access.
whenever i hit cmnd + s it does a bunch of code stuff then goes on this huge never ending list.. not sure what it says, it goes way to fast, anyone familiar with this?
All of that text is the Unix kernel loading. Once it complete, you should be presented with a command shell. You can then enter the commands into that, one at a time.
Does this work for machines running Jaguar / Panther?
No. This will work in Leopard and Snow Leopard.
There was a different method for doing this in Tiger. Unsure if it was even possible in Jaguar or Panther.
Everything worked fine except when I went to reboot it, and it wont boot. It’s stuck on the light grey Apple screen with the loading circle. Is there anything I can do?
Sounds like the operating system is hosed. Try booting from the original system discs and with Leopard you can do an archive and install to rebuild the OS without losing any files/applications.
Haven’t tried that yet with Snow Leopard. Not sure that you can.
When I enter the passwd USERNAME, it gives me a New Password: prompt, but it won’t let me enter any text. I end up just entering the reboot prompt, and it goes back to the way it was before. I’m running 10.5.6, so I’m not sure what the problem is.
When you get to the prompt after you’ve entered the passwd command, it is accepting what you type, you just don’t get any feedback on screen (so type carefully). You do have to type the new password twice to ensure against typos.
I get as far as the New Password prompt and then I can’t type anything futher. It only allows me to hit the return/enter key and then asks me to retype the password but again, same thing, can’t type anything in. Any suggestions?
HELPPPP!
everything works perfectly until ive typed the new password in and then it asks for the termianl number!?!?!
Worked great as long as I ignored the “reset Password” line. That did nothing but want to bring up a new terminal type. The passwd command should be sufficient, and it was on this almost-hosed Macbook I just fixed. Thanks again for the great post, the Rest Password utility on the Install DVD didn’t fix anything nor did it remove the old keychain.
When pressing command S during reboot, it still goes to the main screen. Please help
Will not work with a wireless keyboard and possibly might not work with a non-Apple keyboard. Must be a wired, Apple keyboard.
YMMV, but I actually just did this on a wireless keyboard yesterday. I don’t think many people understand when, and how, to push the buttons (sorry for sounding silly).
During the reboot, a darker grey screen will be the first thing to appear with the chime. Immediately HOLD command + S. Keep holding it for 10-30 seconds until you see the Apple and a loading wheel. Just pushing the buttons once won’t work.
It is definitely finnicky, and won’t work at all if you start too early, don’t hold long enough, or start too late.
Hi when i type in the
/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
I get Permission Denied
is there anyway i can overcome this??
there’s some formatting issues in that blog post. That line should read:
launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
Hi again, so far so good
just in this line here
rm -rf /Users/username/Library/Keychains/login.keychain
where it says username – do i put the actual admin username in there or just type it put as above??
Rich
pouvez vous me tapez exactement ce que vous avez tapez pour reussir. merci
Worked Perfectly!!!!
many thanks bigmaconcampus!!!!
Your a legend!
what did you do when you got PERMISSION DENIED?
Just realized that some of the formatting in the commands was confusing people. It should be corrected now.
launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
is all one command, not two separate ones. Sorry to all.
Will this work on Macbook Pro 5,5 with OSX 10.6.4?
Should.
Hi, I have the same problem as other people. I forgot my password. I understand how to reboot the system but will it delete any of my applications on the computer? Some examples are iMovie, iPhoto, Word, Powerpoint, etc.
I am afraid to reboot the computer and have nothing on it. I would like an answer. Please and thank you.
Should not harm any of your data, however, when you do this, the login.keychain file will have to be recreated. This file stores any saved passwords (like for email, websites, IM, etc.). You will lost these, but if you can’t get into the computer, you don’t have much choice.
And how do you do this in Tiger?
You could create a new user account by typing the following into the terminal:
sudo rm -rf /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
Or try this:
http://tinyurl.com/2beqpjw
Bonjour!
je crois que c’est un peut melanger pouvez-vous me le taper correctement svp.j’arrive pas à comprendre ce que je doit taper apres DirectoryServices.plist
merci
Translation:
Hello!
I think it’s a mix can can you type it correctly svp.j can ‘t understand what I should type after DirectoryServices.plist
thank you
Reply:
Type ls /Users to figure out the username if you do not know what it is. You can skip this step if you already know it.
Reply translation:
Tapez “ls /Users” de déterminer le nom d’utilisateur si vous ne savez pas ce que c’est. Vous pouvez sauter cette étape si vous le savez déjà.
Hi when i type in the
/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
I get Permission Denied
I am completely lost now!
HELP!!
got it now
after i type this:
rm -rf /Users/username/Library/Keychains/login.keychain
this :/root# disappears and i couldn’t reboot
please help
Did you change “username” to the username of the account that you need to reset the password? If so, not sure. Double-check for typos.
If the user has auto-login enabled, but doesn’t their password you can just decrypt it directly from /etc/kcpasswd
http://www.brock-family.org/gavin/perl/kcpassword.html
I am using a newer microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse with the apple computer. Can I still reset my password with this keyboard??
Probably not with a wireless keyboard since the drivers wouldn’t be loaded yet. You’d have to use a wired keyboard.
Hii There,
I have a Macbook tiger and i forgot my password i cant update my software nor do anything plz plz plz help
worked as a charm, Macbook Pro, Snow Leopard. I didn’t enter the last command though, and it still worked. I created new keychain upon reboot. ^_^
thanks and please tell me if did something wrong, hope not. :)
actually VERY BIG THANKS!
when i do this the keyboard locks
help would be nice
Thanks a ton!!!!
Hey bigmaconcampus, just wanted to know if you knew how to restore a macbook pro 10.5.8 without having the reboot dvds? Is there a way to do that using a similar method to what you just showed us with the control s? And if u do know a way, will that delete all my applications like microsoft word and stuff?? thanks
Need the DVDs. Suggest buying some if you don’t have them.
hello everything works but when i reach passwd username i get confused can you walk me through from there pleaasseeee!!!!!!! so lost at this point
At that step, you just need to type:
passwd (your username as it shows in the /Users folder) and then press return.
at the next prompt, you need to enter your new password (Nothing will show on screen due to security measures so type carefully), then press return.
Enter the password a second time to make sure that there are no typos and press return. Your password has now been reset.
The final steps are just removing the login.keychain file which stores all your other passwords since it can no longer be opened because of the main password change. The system will create a new file on the next startup.
The reboot command just restarts the computer and gets you out of Single-User mode (the Unix-y stuff on screen).
Hi,
After attempting this on a MacbookPro (2008) OSX 10.4 it keeps booting into setup assistant. Halfway through setup assistant the computer hangs. I’ve repaired permissions via an old Install disc. Any ideas?
Thanks
Yeeeeessssss it worked perfectly…just follow your directions!!! Thanks A Mill BIG MAN:))
I had a similar problem where I was updating my brother’s software on a 2009 i5 iMac with Snow Leopard. He didn’t recall his password so I could install iWorks, so I tried to reset it with these commands I found on another site:
boot in single user mode (cmd-s)
#sh /etc/rc
#password username
#reboot
Also found these instructions to create a new admin account:
#mount -uw /
#rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
#shutdown -h now
He didn’t even recall his username, so after guessing a while I went onto the 2nd set of instructions to just create a new admin account. The rm command produced some error I think, like a bad domain or path. Now the system won’t boot past the spinning circle. I’ve gone back into single user mode and pecked around; not sure if the /var folder is even there anymore… maybe I had a typo and deleted it earlier?
Have you any recommendations to troubleshoot this further?
Thanks.
I would recommend booting into Single-user mode by holding down command-S at startup. Once you get to the shell prompt, follow those second set of instructions to have the computer enter Setup/Registration mode.
mount -uw /
rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
reboot
If that doesn’t work, then you probably have something else wrong with the operating system. Try booting from an installation disc and reset the password that way, or reinstall the operating system to fix any system errors.
Good luck.
Hi, need help. I was ok until it asked for new password. I entered it a couple of times in the blind, as I couldn’t see what I was typing. Now I’m at a place asking for a Terminal type. Is there a way to get around this and start over? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Not sure what you mean by “Terminal Type” but you should be able to go back to the beginning of the directions and try again.
how to delete admin. account cuz i dont know it and dont have the password to it ever since we upgraded it how do i do this on my own cuz it wasnt me who updated it to mac os x
You can not delete the admin account, there must be one on the system. This method will allow you to reset the admin password, but if you are not the admin (i.e. computer system in school/business, or parents are admin), I wouldn’t recommend resetting it to get around them. They won’t be happy with you and might make you take extra English/Spelling classes.
umm mines dont work when i press command S need help
Big man, Im sorry but im alittle confused on the excact inputs I should be using, looking at everyones is making me confused. Im not 100% sure what I put in first after I reboot . do I type in mount -uw / on the first line, then the next line put
launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
but the next line is whats confusing me do I type in
ls /Users
then what on that line? and the same for the next line
passwd username
then to I just paste the next line
rm -rf /Users/username/Library/Keychains/login.keychain and then type reboot. If you could give me a small example in the 1s/users line and the passwd username line that would help me so much. this is very important to me thanks so much.
Ok.
Boot into single-user mode.
Assuming the username on the account was stevejobs and the password you want to set it to is ImMegaRich$$
Type the following, one line at a time, pressing enter at the end of each line:
mount -uw /
launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
ls /Users
## this was just to find out the usernames of the accounts on the computer, if you didn’t already know, stevejobs should have been one of the accounts returned if it exists
passwd stevejobs
ImMegaRich$$
rm -rf /Users/stevejobs/Library/Keychains/login.keychain
reboot
That’s it.
man.. was trying 9houers in a row: nothing! macbook 10.5.8 everything is alright but when i write: …. .DirectoryServices.split iv gotta sth like error …DirSerErr… iv gotta 3 accaunts ADMIN . TIMI. GUEST. i dont know pasword to admin. i know password to TIMI. guest is blocked as i know. and iv gotta autologin on TIMI. if its possible help me. i spent a lot of money on FL studio9 cant install… thx for helping!
Ok, I only understood about half of that.
Spelling counts. The file you are loading ends in .plist, not .split
Good Luck, Timi.
ok now its ok. but when i have to enter new password i cant write. just return can be pressed. what have i do?
Nothing will show on screen while you are typing the new password. Just type it slow and carefully. After you press ‘enter’, you will have to enter it a second time to insure that you don’t have any typos.
Thank you so much! This saved me time and money; and was super easy! Easy to use. Thanks Big Mac!
Always enjoy the thank yous. Let’s me know it wasn’t wasted time.
hello i get stuck at a part when i type in “passwd” it wont let me type in a password i keep hitting return and then it says password unchanged please helpp
Nothing will show on screen while you are typing the new password. Just type it slow and carefully. After you press ‘enter’, you will have to enter it a second time to insure that you don’t have any typos.
first of all when I type the command “mount -uw/” or any configuration such as “/sbin/mount -uw/” it tells me “illegal option [other crap]” second of all when i type the command “launchctl load /System[etc etc]” it prompts me with “socket is not connected” what do I do?
the command is:
mount -uw /
There is a space between each piece. Watch the spaces, they will bite you.
I have a mac with the mac 9.2OS on it. When I hold the Apple symbol + S it does nothing.
These commands will only work on Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6. There are separate command for 10.4. Not sure it can be done on any earlier Mac OS.
necesito un favor no soy capaz de copiar “/”, en el modo de codigo como lo hago con que tecla??? pk aprieto shift+7 y no me da, lo que normalmente da en word y demas programas.
gracias
No se.
Usted no será capaz de copiar y pegar texto en este modo. Usted tendrá que escribir todo de forma manual.
We purchased a laptop for someone in our business. They have left on not so good terms. I need to reset his computer but I don’t know his password. I have tried the above but it isn’t working for me. Does this work for my circumstance?
Should if the computer is on Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.6 and you followed the directions exactly.
I found another trick just type:
when re-starting
Hold Command Key (Apple)+ S key
mount uw- /
passwd
and hit enter. It will ask you to enter new password which of course you will not see it when you’re typing it and it will ask you again to re-enter password (Be careful typing so you don’t forget what you put there). Hit Enter after retyping new password and then type:
reboot
And Yes!!!! you will be in.
This would probably reset the root password, which I wouldn’t advise anyone to be logging in as root for day-to-day work. VERY bad idea.
I get “command not found.”
Double-check the spelling of the command you typed.
i can’t find the apple symbol button on my computer. i have the normal apple macbook laptop…
since i couldn’t find the apple symbol, i tried using ‘command’ and ‘s’, but it just comes up asking me if i want to save this web page. please help!!
does anyone know where the apple key is??????
help!!!!!!!!!
The command key is the same as the Apple-key. On older Macs, it had an Apple Logo on the command key, newer ones don’t have that symbol.
You need to be pressing command-S at startup, not while the computer is running. Select ‘Restart’ from the Apple menu, when you see the screen go dark, begin holding down command-S while the computer reboots. Once it comes up in all text on screen, you are in single-user mode. Follow the directions for resetting the password (you might want to print them out first).
This is not working AT ALL… The Command + S does not enter terminal and when i go into terminal from applications\utilities\terminal
the codes do not work….
PLEASE HELP!
Please see the previous comment…
baaaahhhh! Doooaaaaahhhh!
I feel the same way…
This is working on a new Mac. I just did it today. Follow the instructions CLOSELY.
hey big man, i have trouble at launchctl load ect ect couldnt start nothing found to load…then it says…
sleep prevented by SB 1,SS 0,AS 1
checked spelling seems ok except is it launchctl ?
Make sure you’ve mounted the hard drive as writeable:
mount -uw /
i have an macbook air 11inch 2009 model will this command work for me its a bit confusing and im not very commputer literate could u step by step it and mabey bracket the actions (enter) and do u type the actual user name or just user name lost thanx
Just follow the instructions above. Use the actual username.
i HAVE MADE AN ERROR when I came to step enter :/root Passwd username, I typed it in exactly like that and it said reset: can’t initialize terminal type
and it asks Terminal Type Please HElP
The command on that line should be entered as follows (assuming your username was veena, then):
passwd veena
Thank you bigmanoncampus. this worked well.
which campus are you on?
Go Tigers!
when i type munt -uw / it came out *removed 2 orphaned / unlink files and 0 directories
anyone can help me pls!!!! ungent!
As your 3rd grade teacher would have said “Spelling counts”. The command is mount, not munt. ;)
i cant reset the password, anyone willing to help?
Ok, So I read all these posts and tried a few and in the end, what worked was this:
mount -uw /
passwd
ola
ola
reboot
ola
ola
…. it just restarted and lit up like an Xmas tree, starting up as if I’d just bought the computer. I entered new user information and everything working now.
Glad to hear it, but I think you should change that password after posting it on the internet. ;)
Hy I’m Johan from Amsterdam. I bought an (used) but almost new Imac 27 i5. Account from seller was in it but he didn’t rember the password. With the help of above mentioned method I made my own account succesfull and deleted his. Now I’m experiencing difficulties with files in folders that were already installed before changing accounts from my own external HD. I cant rename them or even replace because it says I dont have the permissions. My total folder structure is placed in root Documents folder and in the filefolder options I can still see the name of the deleted account. Even when I change the right to fully read and write it is still not possible to chang anything. How is it possible that in the documents info the already deleted account still excists and can it be changed? Sorry for any mistake in language and thanks for any suggestions.
Johan
It sounds like you have permissions turned on with the external hard drive. You need to research information concerning the “chown” command, to change the ownership of the files/hard drive.
Hello,
I seem to be in the same boat as everyone else in this forum! My question is though — if I go through these instructions, and for some reason, it doesn’t work, will it just go back to the normal MAC system? Let me clarify…I can get into the MAC computer. I’m on it right now, online,writing on this forum etc.
My only problem, thus far, is that I’m unable to download any programs because it’s asking me for a password (which I don’t know) and I do not have access to the operating disk. I’m kind of afraid to try this as I’m not real sure of what I’m doing and this is a very expensive computer, and I don’t want to mess it up.
Is there any other easier, full-safe way to do this, meaning to change the administrator password WITHOUT having to do go through all of the steps above?
Thanks,
Sherie G.
Yes, use the installation discs that came with the computer. There is a “Reset Password” application on the disk.
I have the installation disc that came with the computer and I am trying to reset my password with the disk but it will not let me! I press C when the computer boots up like it says to do but nothing happens!?
Could be a bad disc drive or possibly you aren’t using an Apple keyboard. Follow the steps in this post to reset the password without the disc.
mac-fix password……………………LOCK LUNCH. BAR
Just wanted to leave my thanks also for this clear and painless fix to a forgotten admin password. Great post.
M.
Hi mate,
Everything worked fine until a reached the step ‘ls /Users’
This is pretty important to me because I need the username.
I shouldnt have touched my cousins mac…now im stuck trying to fix it :(
Thanks,
Cal
That command is the letters ‘L’ and ‘S’, not an ‘I’.
The /Users part must be capitalized.
after the mount command, I get
shared cached file was build against a different Lib/System.dylib, ignoring cache
WHAT???
Could you give more info? What is your operating system version?
Does this work on lion?
Tried the launchctl line but got an error message saying that the subcommand is unknown.
No, but if you have the recovery partition, you wouldn’t need to use this method. You can just hold down the ‘option’ key at startup and select the recovery partition. Then open the “Terminal” application and type “resetpassword” (without the quotes). A Reset Password Utility should open at that point.
its not working with mac air..
I did mount -uw /
and the i wrote rm…
it says file not found
well i would like to say thank you for this quick and painless password renewal it work at least in a mac os x 10.5.7 so thanks again
You’re welcome. Glad it helped.
I am using a MAC book pro 15″ 10.5.08 from the early 2008. Does this works for the OS and the comp? I know it worked on my Mac book air a few months ago.
Setup/Registration mode.
mount -uw /
rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
reboot
That method should work as well, but keep in mind, that it creates a new account on your computer. Your information and files will still be in the old account. You’ll need to reset the password for the old account in System Preferences to be able to get back to your files.
This worked for me! So simple and it allowed me to create a new admin account.
I keep trying but when I type
rm /var/db/ .AppleSetupDone
it says no such file or directory
No space between /var/db/ and .AppleSetupDone. It should read:
rm -rf /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
I’ve tried all of these and many methods with no luck. I bought a system from a school/university and it still has their software installed. I can’t do anything. It automatically logs me in as what I believe must have been a student account with limited access. Any thoughts?
Might be possible to reset the password for the “root” account, which wouldn’t show in the list of users when you use the “ls /Users” command. Otherwise, contact the school where you purchased it. I’m sure they’d be glad to help you.
Forgot to mention, I have a G5 running os x 10.5.6
Hi Big Mac, I’m havin a very serious problem wit my macbook as well, I bought iphone4 so I neglected it for over 2 months now, I just put it up now but I’ve lost de password as it wont log on wit all I’ve tried. I’ve tried these…
#mount -uw /
#rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
#reboot
now its sayin “help I’m a stolen mac computer, pls return to the owner” pls I need your help. What do to go about this?
Follow the directions in the blog post or return the stolen merchandise. ;)
dis is no joke bigmac, I need ur help. If it wont work out as I’ve tried severally, yet it gets to de point wherein I typed de cmnd
mount -uw /
passwd
it actually changed de password but at de time it reboots, it took me back to “This Mac has been offline for more than 2 months, as a result this mac has become unusable…”
Can I restore it or get it back to default? If possible can anyone PLSSSSSS HELPPPPPPP. Thank a ton!
Okay I really need some help here. Tried using command + s on a macbook but it wont work. it just simply goes to the regular log in. Is it possible that terminal might have been turned off by an admin. I have no idea what to do please help
It is possible that someone set a firmware password on the machine. Removing the RAM chips should reset the firmware password.
Hi
I tried the method above it kind of worked.
It keeps booting up as if it were a new iMac i insert the details to register once completed it keeps going back to the welcome screen.
I cant get it to go to the login screen.
FUK YAHHHHH MAINGGGGGG
:-D
YOU R A SUPA STARRRR
:-D
AINT DAT RAHT!
sorry im a bit slow but wat do u mean by “s” key can someone help meh
The letter S on your keyboard. Just hold it and the command key down while the computer turns on, until you see text on the screen.
I have a screen problem does anyone know how to do it logged in to the admin account I don’t have the password for that either but I can see nothing using my mac with voice over HELP?
passwd doesn’t come up as a correct command. Can you help?
Worked great! Thank you so much!
it’s asking me localhost:/ root#, what I have to write when this happens?
I need help… When i turn off and turn on my computer while holding the apple key plus S it just takes me to the screen where i type in my password.
You need to be using an apple keyboard
Hey
I have 2 Macbooks and I only have 1 disc because I lost the other one. I was wondering if I could use the CD that came with my one Macbook on my different macbook to reset the pw? Thank you
Possibly, if the models are close enough. Only one way to find out…
Awesome. Just saved me 1 day of work that I would’ve taken reinstalling my machine ;)
When ever i hit the
rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
it shows there is no such file or directory what to do on my mac os x 10.5.8 plz help me??
After removing that file, reboot the computer and it should prompt you for a username and password.
Hey!
When reboot password, what happens to the existing files?
Are they going to be deleted?
Am i going to have access to the already store files?
This does not delete any of your files. Just resets the password.
im so confused i hit the apple button ans s and all it did was save this website to my computer?? help :(
I really do not get how to do this what screen should i be on when i hit command s??
Hold down the command key and the ‘S’ key while you turn the computer on and continue to hold it down until you see text on the screen.
Help me Please … I have a Mac OS X Version 10.5.7 , I don’t have the CD that should come with it .. I can get the system to work and everything but if I have to add a software it ask me for my password which I forgot … how can I reset my password . I really need your help and please make the instructions clear and easy as I’m not an expert with computers .. thank you so much
Hi
God I hope your still around.
Can you tell me how to set the admin password in Tiger on my G4 PowerBook?
I have tried a couple of other things like creating a new account but it won’t accept the new password.
Please help me. Thanks
Suzy
There is a method on Tiger, but I don’t recall it. You might want to try the following command in the Terminal application:
rm -rf /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
Good luck.
I want to thank you SO MUCH. Honestly, I just bought a macbook without the media disk and the guy I bought it off of DIDN’T KNOW THE ADMIN password because he didn’t even need it. I thought I was screwed, but this totally worked and I wanted to thank you for saving the day. MUCH LOVE!!!
[…] Reset Mac Password the Easy Way « Big Mac on Campus. This entry was posted in by jon. Bookmark the permalink. /* […]
im sorry to post and ask but i read all the way through and no one had the same issue… on the command:
launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
i get a return of No such file or directory nothing found to load? sooo what do i do?
Sounds like it might be a typo. Doublecheck the long path to make sure it is exact.
this didn’t work at all
Thanks, worked like a charm on Mac PowerPC running 10.5.8
It changes the password but then says it doesn’t match the vault password and to enter in the old password. Help?
This won’t work with filevault. There’s not much you can do if you’ve forgotten the filevault password. Those files are toast. Sorry.
I can’t remember my password to my Mac so I want to read this guide to reset my password, but I can’t log onto the Mac to come read this guide HEELLPP!!!!1one
Have to admit, I’m curious as to how you were able to make this post then…
THANK YOU!! :) I was about ready to pull my hair out… you saved me from that tragedy. :) –Christy
You’re quite welcome and thank you for being a teacher. The world needs more people like you.
Hi Bigmac
I am having Lion 10.7 version and I forgot my password and I saw one of ur posts which says…chose recovery partition ….terminal….reset password…
?1 doesnt the reset password need the older password to reset to a new one….
?2 would I lose my data since I wil be using recovery partition….have you tried this on Lion
Any sort of help is appreciated…
These steps work with Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6. For 10.7 (and 10.8 I believe), just hold down the ‘option’ key and boot to the recovery partition. Once it is booted up, Look in the top menu items and open the “Terminal” application. Once that is open, type ‘resetpassword’ and press enter. A utility should open that will allow you to reset your password.
This method worked for me in 10.7 thanks!!!!
THANKS SO much– you just saved our old computer. :)
BigMac..
Thanks for the tip mate..highly appreciated
But there’s more to my problem..
How do I get ridd of my file vault password.
My kids messed my Mac pro..while on duty and now they can’t recall what they set it as..
I reset the admin password but am unable to recover the file vault one..
Is there a way out to recover the file vault password ..
I haven’t got any disk’s too.
So am relying on the bloggers generosity ..
Thanks a lot..mate
Nothing you can do for File Vault. Except format the drive and start over, but as for retrieving files, if you don’t have a backup, you’re out of luck. Sorry.
Ah! I take a little time out from the blogging world and
come back to find that you have become awesome?
! Wow, times have changed! Keep up the far out work!
Hello! I’ve been following your weblog for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Dallas Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks I was able to hack my sister’s macbook pro
I tried this and every time I type /sbin/mount -uw / and press enter I get :/ root# countless of times.
That command just allows you to make changes to the system. You won’t see any other prompt other than the root one after entering this command.
hi. Someone gave me am iMac 2008 20inches, intel core 2 duo 2,4 with Mac OS X 10.5.8.
I don’t have the Mac disc for a clean install. And on updates it requests a password that I don’t have.
Should I follow the process you describe?
After that will I be able to access all files? How then will I make a clean install (kind of format on pcs) since I don’t care for the files and I would prefer to have it like I open it for the first time?
Will I be able then for an official mac os x update (since i am new at macs and don;t know the other way)?
thanksssss
I’ve had to do a reinstall of Snow Leopard. My accounts are still there with the login screen but I can’t login – tries to tell me the password is wrong. I’ve tried doing password reset from the install disc method, and also your method above.
What’s really odd is that when using the install disc method, although the password fails it DOES remember the new ‘forgotten password’ clue that I typed in at the same time as changing my password.
Cannot figure out the answer – anyone else come across this?
I’ve tried the process you describe above. When I get to the ls/Users command, I’m a bit confused. Do I HAVE to type this in if I only want to reset my password or is it ONLY necessary if I’m resetting the username as well?
Either way, I’m stuck at this point. If I type in ls/Users (that’s lower-case “L” not upper case “i” or #1 right?) it says “directory not found” and if I skip that step and just type in passwd followed by my existing username, it seems to process something but then another root request pops up. I type in my desired password, enter. Another root, retype password, enter. Even though the descriptions say at this point I should be receiving a prompt and not seeing any text (instead of getting another root request and seeing perfectly well what I’m typing).
Then I enter the last part, rm -rf /Users etc. followed by reboot and sure enough, when I’m back on the desktop I still don’t have a new password (my problem is that I need to install a new browser, and the installation requires administrator password which I don’t have).
Thanks so much – any help you can provide would be immensely appreciated. Sorry for the length of this message, but I wanted to describe the problem as clearly as possible.
I should also note that when I type in the desired password, I get a “command not found” response.
The command
ls /Users (notice the space between words)
Is to figure the exact spelling of the user account to be reset.
When you type passwd username it is prompting you for the new password. It will do this twice. Once you’ve typed it, you are done.
Thanks. I actually managed to figure this out somehow (can’t remember exactly how) and was able to reset my password. I think the spacing had a lot to do with it… Anyway, this thread was greatly appreciated as it helped a lot in the process, so thanks.
I’ve tried pressing “command+s” at every possible time during reboot, read through every comment and noticed only one other was having my problem. No matter what point and time I press and hold “command+s” during reboot, it only loads my home screen as if I were pressing nothing at all. I’m simply trying to install a driver for a freakin printer on this thing, its my bosses old computer he brought in to work and he doesn’t remember ever setting a password. It is a Leopard OS 10.5.8 The computer never asks for a password at any other time than when trying to install software. We do not have the OS disk. Please lord, help me. I need a printer! I do tattoos and cannot very well bring the whole computer to my station while I’m working on a design, I need to print it out!!!!
What type of Mac is it? If it is a desktop model, be sure you are using an apple keyboard and not a third party keyboard. Single-user mode cannot be initiated with command-S on a third party keyboard.
Which state/country do you do tattoos? The wife is considering one. :)
I tried this, did step for step. It didn’t work, it just brought me back to the login. Can’t login forgot password.
Hey bigmaconcampus – just a quickie to say your method works beautifully – a million thanks for the help!!!
Hi, I’m confused, I just want to temporary set admin password and have the existing one reinstated on reboot (just as the original poster said would happen) but later replies seem to indicate that the ew password is persisted. I don’t want that. Is there a step I need to omit or will the orignal instructions do as I want?
I appreciate it for posting “Reset Mac Password the Easy
Way | Big Mac on Campus”. Imight undoubtedly be
back again for alot more reading and commenting soon.
Thanks, Astrid
Hi! First of al thank you so much for this forum , it’s awesome!
I hope this thread is still active…as I really could use your help
I have a macbook air with mac osx 10.5.8 andI’ve followed all the steps closely and precisely but
after I put the
mount -uw /
launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
this comes up:/ -sh:/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist : Permission denied
and then the passwd username it tells me “socket is not connected”, unable to open Directory node with name/Local/Default. Unable to open node.
Therefore, I don’t even get the option to reset the password
What can I do?
My macbook is not password protected for most tasks, but I do need to reset the password so I can update software.
Thank you in advance for your help :)
Sounds like you aren’t logged in as root. Did you initiate Single-user mode by holding down the command and S keys at startup?
command + S does not do anything on home screen but when i press it on an internet page it asks if i want to save the page… ?? dammit! i just need to reset my password why so complicated!!
You must select “Restart” from under the Apple Menu. As the computer is turning off, press and hold command-S and continue holding it until you see text appear on the screen.
Worked perfectly! Thank you so much. You rock.
Hi
This is a great help, however after checking the user name, I type in the correct one and I get the message unknown user name. I may have a bigger problem as I haven’t forgotten the password, the computer will not recognize it or maybe it’s the username it is not recognizing. Your thoughts please.
Thanks
typing the following:
ls /Users
Should give you a list of the available usernames on the computer.
Hi,
After typing ls /Users it gives me this list of user names:
.DS_Store .localized Shared Stefan cristinel vlad
Except the last three names I don’t know what the first three are but when I try to put one of the last three user names that I know, for example passwd Stefan it tells me passwd: Unknown user name ‘Stefan’ .
Or it says:
com.apple.DirectoryServicesLocal : Already loaded
passwd: Unknown user name ‘cristinel’ .
Please help…
Are you sure that any of those three accounts is an admin account? You can open System Preferences to see what type of account it is in the “Accounts” section.
Reblogged this on UnboxedThoughts .
I want to reset my mac BOOK PRO PASS WORD THAT I MYSELV PORT ON IT,BUT I FORGET ABOUT IT.
Hi, I was locked out of my mac (can’t remember password). I tried some of the steps and my machine is now showing the Welcome Screen but no countries or regions are displaying for me to select, what did I do? How can I fix this?
Sounds like it has been put into Apple Startup mode (which is where you see the first Welcome screen). Not sure about the missing countries. You could try resetting the Apple Startup mode by removing the following file while in single-user mode.
rm -rf /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
then rebooting. It should go back to the Welcome screen. Good luck with the missing countries.
It didnt creat a new login keychain its just asking for the password?
You can manually remove the login.keychain by going to the Library folder contained in your username (home) and then Keychains folder and remove the login.keychain file. It will create a new one and prompt you to create a password for it.
I do trust all of the ideas you have presented for your post.
They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too quick for newbies. May just you please extend them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.
I followed the instructions and it worked perfectly!!! You have saved me the biggest hassle of finding an Apple dealer in Korea. Thank you sooooooo much!!!!!
And a lot of money, I should think!
I’m stuck/confused on two parts.
Im confused on how to type in the:
launchctl load
/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
seeing as typing enter makes it two different roots/commands.
Also, I know my username so when I type it in:
passwd Mechelle Dawson
it doesn’t allow me to type in a new password, it shows up as a new root/command.
launchctl load
/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist should all be entered on one line as one command.
Your username is usually only one word in the shortened form, so you need to do the:
ls /Users
command to determine what the short form of your username is. Then run the passwd command to reset the password.
you saved me thank you so much… worked so fast
I need to retrieve my password
Sincerely I don’t know how to thank u guys, for having saved my life I tried it and it worked thank you and I wish u all the best and success for each and everything u do for a living
This Worked so well! I got an iMac iSight G5 the other day.
I tried so many different pages and shit, and this one was the one that worked the best,
I hope you post more stuff like this.
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this outstanding blog!
I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your
RSS feeds to my bookmark account. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this
website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
Hmmmm, a donate button. Wish I’d thought of that before. Thanks for the suggestion. :)
WORKS GREAT FOR ME……BEFORE I CAN’T EVEN GET THE UPDATES….NOW I CAN HAVE TOTAL ACCESS….THANKS SO MUCH
Good day I am so excited I found your website, I really found you by accident,
while I was searching on Aol for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks for
a marvelous post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I
don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I
have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds,
so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep
up the superb jo.
Thank you thank you thank you!!
i have lion and there was a little more that was shown on the text screen that had to be typed in to make it reset the password but it worked, my problem is now my information and password is all new and not related to the previous owner/user and he had tons of apps and programs that i cannot access because i did’nt reset his password. it only worked when i tricked the computer to make it new. how can i retrieve all the files for music, movies, apps, etc. i hope bigmac is still kickin, its 2015
You would need to open a Terminal prompt (/Applications/Utilities/Terminal) and type in the following:
cd /Users
ls
(take note of the exact name of the username of the folder that you want access to, we’ll refer to this as “$username” in the next command)
sudo chmod -R 0777 $username
You should be able to access it now. Enjoy.
Hello – I’ve read the entire blog and I still can’t fix this problem: I have an iMac 10.6 G4. It won’t reboot into single user – I’ve tried holding it down immediately, waiting till the chime, waiting until after – no matter what (10 tries) it goes directly to log in. I have an apple keyboard (not a 3rd company). Ideas?
Please double-check your system configuration and send the specs again. Mac OS X 10.6 wasn’t able to run on a G4 (10.5 was the highest a G4 could be upgraded).
It honestly should be as simple as just holding down the command key and the letter “S” at the same time before you turn the computer on and continuing to hold the two buttons down until you see the black screen with white text.
Hi I type in everything exactly but after typing
“launchctl load/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist” all on one line I get the message “launchctl: unknown sub command “load/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist”
Any idea what the issue is?
There is a ‘space’ between load and /System…
launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
So what do I do if command+s and
command+r will not do anything. My mac just boots like normal no matter what I press during boot. Running 10.5.6
Is there a less confusing guide for dummies im kind of new to the apple os systems,and I mean the easiest way possible are there any key press commands other than opening up the command shell terminal or is there any downloadable software I could use
hi…
when I starts my IMAC it keeps getting stuck on the apple and the thing under it that keeps spinning …when I do command s I get command lines that never ends
jnl: unknown -dev:do_jnl_lo…etc
help much appreciated
What even annoys me more is the constant password entry requests OSX makes. That is why I wrote this article on Apple Critic:
http://www.apple-critic.com
http://apple-critic.com/2015/04/03/apple-the-password-maniac/
Apple Critic
Thank you so much
You wonderful person you!! I have used your theory for a complication on newly purchased used Macbook and it worked painlessly.
Many thanks from a 72 y.o. TechnoGran from New Zealand.
You’re quite welcome. Now that makes me want to go see New Zealand! ;)
I keep getting permission denied at this step! Please help!
/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
So I tried it and all it says is that my computer is disabled!
This seems to have worked for me; I tried 3 other solutions before this and none worked. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I have the Mac OS X 10.5 what do I do
My grandfather died about a year ago and I got his computer, but I don’t know the password. When I press Command+R, go to utilities, terminal, type resetpassword, no volumes appear that I can select, so I can’t do anything. When I try pressing Command+S, I can’t type anything because that disappears after a couple seconds and goes to the login menu. I think I’m pressing it at the right time (as soon as the screen turns gray, and then I hold it until something appears), but it disappears after a few seconds.
Try holding down the ‘command’ and ‘S’ keys even before the computer turns off and keep holding them down while you start the computer. Good luck.
Oh my god, thank you so much!!!! I found my old macbook and was going to give it to my mom, but for some really stupid reason, i had a password on the login screen and couldn’t remember it. This finally worked for me!! I’m back into this ancient little laptop, and it’s very exciting. :)
I HAVE BEEN CRYING ALL DAY TRYING TO GET MY SUMMER SCHOOL FINAL TURNED IN ON TIME AND THIS FIXED IT!!! Thank you so so so much :)
Thank you so much for this post. I forgot the password to my computer which I haven’t turned on for over a year, but I got in thanks to this post. Took me a while to figure out because I’m not a techy but the comments from others and your responses to questions also helped.
Thank you!
Thank you BigMacOnCampus – You’re Awesome … !!!