So you locked yourself out of your Mac….

It’s actually quite easy to reset the admin account using the install CD, but what do you do if you don’t have the CD? Well there are two ways of doing it.

1. This is the simple way, but only works in 10.4.x+:
• Reboot
• Hold down Apple + s down when you hear the chime (this will boot into single user mode).
• You’ll get to the text prompt….don’t panic…2 more commands and you’re done.
• Type sh /etc/rc followed by Enter.
• Type passwd substitute_user_id_here to reset the password for that account. DONE, Reboot and Login with new password.
2. This is the hardway, but neat since it can potentially allow you to re-setup your mac as if the machine was brand new.
• Reboot
• Hold down Apple + s down when you hear the chime (this will boot into single user mode).
• Type mount -uw / at the command line.
• Type rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone on the command line.
• Reboot, you’ll have to setup a new admin account now. Make sure you choose a different name for this new account. Login and move the old files over to the new account (or use migration tool to do it) and delete the old account and it’s data.

told you it was simple….