How to reset your MAC OSX Password (without the install disk)

I'm a bit of a nube when it comes to MAC OSX. For the last few weeks I've been trying to figure out the root password, and have failed. On multiple occasions I've searched Google to figure out how to do it. Apple, the Apple forums, the neurotic MAC user boards, etc. all said the same thing: "Use the OSX install Disk."

Great, who actually knows where those disks are??

If you don't have the password than you are either the type of person who could forget it (and most likely lose the OS Disk), or you acquired the device second hand. In either case, Apple clearly wants you to buy a new OSX disk because they won't tell you these 3 simple steps... Thanks Jobs.

How to reset an OSX password WITHOUT THE OS DISK:

Power on your device while simultaneously holding down the Apple + S keys. This will boot the device into Single User Mode, which you can observe by watching the kernel and services all kick in command line style.

Once you make it to the prompt, enter the following:

# sh /etc/rc
# passwd yourusername
# reboot

If you are not sure what username to use, try root ;). If the password reset was successful you will simply be returned to the prompt after running the passwd command. If it didn't work, you'll get a one line response that says "sorry."

All done, no need for the disk.

Comments

[Anonymous]

Have any suggestions on when it does respond with "Sorry"?

Thanks ive tried EVERYTHING