Level 1 (5 points)

Forgot Login Password

I bought this iMac desktop in 2004, and the last update I could do on it was probably around 2012? I'm not positive sure what the last OS update was for....Snow Leopard, Mountain Lion or what. That being said, I'm trying to get some old files off of it, and I haven't turned it on or logged in for several years.

I can't get past the password bar so I can't look at Disk Utility, Preferences or anything like that. I have tried turning it on while holding Command + R, and it just goes back to login password which I don't know. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Posted on Nov 29, 2019 2:52 PM

2 replies

HWTech

Level 9 (78,350 points)

Dec 1, 2019 6:47 PM in response to Tracymay

If you upgraded to Snow Leopard, then you need to boot from the Snow Leopard install DVD. I believe once the DVD boots there should be a password reset option on the Tools or Utilities menu.

For later versions of macOS see if these instructions help:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202860

What is the exact model of your iMac? You can get this information by entering your system serial number here.

ChromiumOverload

Level 3 (589 points)

Dec 13, 2019 11:35 AM in response to Tracymay

First Follow the instructions Here https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201314 do not continue after step 4

Next Go to the utilities menu on the top and choose terminal

Type resetpassword no spaces and push enter

Follow instructions

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/250901229