[HOWTO] Reset User Password via single user mode

[Brenton]

When I enter the command sh /etc/rc, I get stuck on this repeating message:

Sep 3 23:16:00 brenton-walters-ibook-g4 lookupd[58]: Can't load /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/NetInfo.framework/Resources/lookupd/Agents/NI.bundle/NI

The last NI alternates with DS, and the time changes as it repeats. I can still enter commands to break up the repetition, but I when I enter the last one (passwd my username with a space) I get this:

usage: passwd [-i infosystem] [-l location] [name]
supported infosystems are:
netinfo
file
nis
opendirectory
for netinfo, location may be a domain name or server/tag
for fil, location may be a file name (/etc/master.passwd is the default)
for nis, location may be a NIS domainname
for opendirectory, location may be a directory node name

then back to the repeating line.

Edit: I just entered passwd myusername (without the space) and it returned:
Changing password for myusername.
New password:

I typed in a new password, then retyped it, and it said Sorry. I tried this multiple times, being extra-special careful. Should I just take it in?

[Brenton]

I just tried to create a new admin in single user mode following these instructions:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread....81510&#9581510

and my ibook is now stuck on a blue screen. It booted up, asked me what language I preferred as if I was a new user, then started to load (spinning rainbow) and now just a blue screen. Feel free to email me to tell me I'm a moron for messing with my computer in single user.
brentonwalters@gmail.com

[co19]

ahaha, we all need to screw up the first time, and it has to be frustrating. Or else everyone would be a computer genius.
In more helpful words, have you tried inserting the OS install disk and repairing permissions?

[gamemaniac]

Too many different answers and not sure which one could be the best and sure shot way to go.

[g/re/p]

Easier Version:
(for PPC Mac - not sure about Intel)

First, boot into single-user mode:

1. Shut down the computer if it is on.
2. Press the power button to start the computer.
3. Immediately press and hold the Command (Apple)
and the S keys until you see white text appear.

At the prompt, type fsck -yf and press the return key.
Type mount -uw / and press the return key.
Type rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone and press return.

Type reboot

When the computer restarts, it should act as if you had
just installed OS X for the first time - it will prompt you
for information to set up an administrator level account.

[Giaguara]

That .AppleSetupDone works on both Intel and PPC.

[Brenton]

Originally Posted by co19

ahaha, we all need to screw up the first time, and it has to be frustrating. Or else everyone would be a computer genius.
In more helpful words, have you tried inserting the OS install disk and repairing permissions?

Install disk is missing. I've since taken the machine in and am having a pro look at it. I used the TechTools repair disk and it would freeze up while trying to repair the hard drive, repeatedly, at about the same point, so I'm assuming the hard drive has failed somehow. Too bad about that expired warranty...