How to Unlock an Apple Mac Book Password

When working with Mac OS, you're required to use an administrator password to install just about anything. If you forget your password, or if you're using a hand-me-down computer and you don't know the previous owner's password, there is no workaround to bypass the admin password. Your only solution is to reset the password with the discs the computer came with. This project has two phases. Changing the admin password is the first step, but you must also follow through and change the keychain login as well.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mac OS X install CD

Resetting the Administrator Password in OS X

1. Locate the Mac OS X install disc your computer came with. If you don't have it, you may be able to get another one from Apple by calling (800) SOS-APPL. (You will most likely have to buy another one.) Insert the disc into the optical drive.

2. Restart the computer while holding down the "C" key. A "Utilities" or "Installer" menu will appear, depending on which version of OS X you are running. Select "Reset Password."

3. 

   Select "Macintosh HD" from the available volumes. On the drop-down menu, select the name of the original administrator account. Do not select "System Administrator."

4. Choose a new password and enter it in the two fields. Click "Save."

Resetting the Keychain Password in OS X

5. 

   Go to the "Go" menu from the Finder. Select "Utilities" and scroll down to locate "Keychain Access." Double-click it.

6. 

   Select "Keychain List" from the "Edit" menu.

7. 

   Highlight the "login" keychain and delete it. The next time you log in to the account you can save your new password.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to backup your files before you change anything. Your files shouldn't be affected, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Resources

• Mac OS X: Changing or resetting an account password
• Changing the keychain