[HOWTO] Reset User Password via single user mode

[Satcomer]

Read this MacOSXHint on how to reset your 10.5 password via the single user mode.

1. Boot into single user mode (press Command-S at power on)
2. Type fsck -fy
3. Type mount -uw /
4. Type launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
5. Type dscl . -passwd /Users/username password, replacing username with the targeted user and password with the desired password.
6.Reboot

This allows you to reset the password in single user mode without booting from the install media.

[g/re/p]

Cool hack! And one more reason to block single user mode by setting a firmware password if you use a mac at work!

[dbash]

Thank you very much, but when I boot I hear the chime and then nothing but a black screen.

[whisky1980]

says command not found when i type passwd somebody please help..!

[nixgeek]

Originally Posted by whisky1980

says command not found when i type passwd somebody please help..!

Check your thread for my response.
help resetting password!

[Flondrixa]

instead of typing
dscl . -passwd /Users/username password
just type
passwd /Users/username password
thats what worked for me.

[sheraz4u]

single user mode reset password:leopard
mount -uw /
ls /users
passwd (user's name)
(enter the password cannot be seen)
reboot


------

single user mode change password tiger

1. mount -uw /
2. sh /etc/rc
3. ls /users
4. passwd (user name)

[bertnspike]

Originally Posted by sheraz4u

single user mode reset password:leopard
mount -uw /
ls /users
passwd (user's name)
(enter the password cannot be seen)
reboot


------

single user mode change password tiger

1. mount -uw /
2. sh /etc/rc
3. ls /users
4. passwd (user name)

I'm sorry, but I don't understand you at all. I bought a used mac laptop. The person I bought it from doesn't remember the password, so I can't install any new software or make myself the administrator. What can I do?