[HOWTO] Reset User Password via single user mode

I feel like a complete fool... I changed my admin password on my Mac Lion 10.7.3 version, and after it was successfully changed, I typed the new pw just to see if it worked, but it didn't accept it. I must have pressed a different key then I meant to by accident when filling in my new pw. I searched everywhere and tried different code options in terminal, but unfortunately no luck. I am thinking maybe it's because I have the latest Lion version installed. I know you can reset using Apple ID but unfortunately I hadn't enabled that option previously. I can still use my mac since I am logged in (just won't be turning it off until I can find a way to reset the pw). Any help will be greatly appreciated.
A frustrated newbie member...
 
I recently got a used mac os x. i know the administrator is jackthecountryman from what i seen. there is also another user and the computer is always logged into this account . as you know i cannot connect to internet, ect without the mac needing the users password. i tried to change the password without the software, but i must be doing something wrong. when i get to passwd then enter the users name. it does nothing. it says command not found.
can i purchase the software if so how much, or will the software work with this certain computer. it should i just want to make sure, i go about it the right way the first time.
can i download the software, and burn it onto a cd
i know there is something i am missing. If so please help i am very new to this. The last time i used a mac was in 2008 for college and it was learning purposes. There was no figuring out passwords and such. THANKS
 
I recently got a used mac os x. i know the administrator is jackthecountryman from what i seen. there is also another user and the computer is always logged into this account . as you know i cannot connect to internet, ect without the mac needing the users password. i tried to change the password without the software, but i must be doing something wrong. when i get to passwd then enter the users name. it does nothing. it says command not found.
can i purchase the software if so how much, or will the software work with this certain computer. it should i just want to make sure, i go about it the right way the first time.
can i download the software, and burn it onto a cd
i know there is something i am missing. If so please help i am very new to this. The last time i used a mac was in 2008 for college and it was learning purposes. There was no figuring out passwords and such. THANKS

See g/re/p's post on page 3, Sept7, 2009 because his post will cover most all bases to reset a password on an OS X Mac.
 
Not quite accurate... The password reset method in that article is for either Lion or Mountain Lion.
If you are not going to use the Single User method, you have to be able to boot to another drive or partition, in any case.
The presence (or lack) of a firmware password makes no difference - unless you don't know what that firmware password is.
One of the previous posts mentions changing the RAM configuration as part of the means to reset a firmware password. That solution can not possibly work on Macs sold within the last year or so. If you have a newer Mac, you have to call Apple (or your authorized service tech has to call Apple) as the procedure is now more complex (and a more secure way to - eh - secure your Mac).
Good info here: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57542601-263/efi-firmware-protection-locks-down-newer-macs/
 
My phone is always stuck in operation , then i have to try to reset, only in this way can I restart the phone
Thanks for the info, but this thread is about password reset in macOS, so not related to iOS or iPhones in this case.
You should post your question in the area for iPhone help.
 
Back
Top