Resetting OS X admin password

Option 1:

You'll need your OS X install CD/DVD. (OS X 10.5 manual reset below.)

Insert the disk and restart the computer.

Press and hold the 'C' key down, as the machine reboots.

The Mac should then proceed to boot from the CD/DVD.

Do NOT reinstall anything.

Click through enough options until the menu bar at the top of the screen is accessible.

Click the 'Utilities' menu and select 'Reset Password'

Enter your new password, exit the installer, and reboot.

Option 2:

OS X 10 can be reset using the single user mode. (hold down 'Command' and 'S' during reboot or startup.)

[Note: The commands are case-sensitive; pay attention to spaces, or copy/paste the bold print.]

• Type sh /etc/rc

• Type passwd root (some OS X versions use passwd admin or passwd administrator)

• Enter in your new password at the prompt.

• Type the new password again when prompted (to avoid typos).

• Type reboot

Option 3:

OS X 10.5 can also be reset, again, using single user mode. (hold down 'Command' and 'S' during reboot or startup.)

[Note: The commands are case-sensitive; pay attention to spaces, or copy/paste the bold print.]

At the prompt, type fsck -fy

Type mount -uw /

Type launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemon/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist

Type dscl . -passwd /Users/username newpassword (replace with the actual username, and and the new password.)