OS 10.4 Can't Restart from Installer Disk

B

Brenda P

Registered
I've lost my Admin. Password.
Trying to reset and reboot from the Install disk.
I hold down the C key while restarting and I get the apple screen but then the icon turns to a icon, don't know the name of it, like the "no smoking" sign sans the cigarette.

Does this mean that the disk is damaged? Is there some other way to retrieve my Admin password? I'm getting desperate!

Thanks,
Brenda
 
First, read the Stickie at the beginning that lists the information needed to help us to help you.

Second, it reads like you do not have a viable System--perhaps you put in the wrong disk? However, give the information since that will clear up some things. Describe what you call the Install disk.

--J.D.
 
1. Insert the gray install disc that came with the same Mac you are trying to install the OS to, or a black retail disc of Mac OS X retail disc (which will only work if the Mac is a PPC based one, and the version on the retail disc is later than what was shipped with the Mac).
2. Reboot, and while booting, hold down C key. Now you should be booting to the install disc.
 
Sorry for leaving that out. I was so happy to locate the forum, I blew right past the sticky!

Machine Name: iMac G5
Machine Model: PowerMac12,1
CPU Type: PowerPC G5 (3.1)
CPU Speed: 2.1 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 512 MB

Running OSX 10.4.11

The disk I attempted to reboot from was the original black Mac OS X Tiger Install DVD v. 10.4. It is the one that gives me the error icon I mentioned and goes no further.

I hope this is what you needed. Thanks very much! Brenda
 
Your iMac (with the built-in iSight camera) originally shipped with 10.4.2 - so, the 10.4 installer DVD may not boot your iMac at all. I see that 'prohibited' sign, and that often will not do anything after you see that sign. Occasionally, the system will still finish booting after a long delay - so, if that's the only bootable disk that you have right now - try waiting. 15-30 minutes should be long enough. If it does continue booting, then you can reset your password.
If not, you will need a 10.4 installer with a version newer than 10.4.2 - or find your original grey DVD, eh?
 
Well guys, found the gray disc "iMac G5 Mac OSX Install Disc 1" with version 10.4.2. Restarted successfully from the disc. Used the change password utility for the Administrator Chain and my account too just in case. Tried to use it to authenticate and it failed. What the heck am I doing wrong?!?!?

Thanks for your help and patience,
Brenda
 
When you change your password through the installer disk, the keychain password remains as the former password.
Try this (even though it seems to make no sense):
Change your admin password again, by using the Accounts pref pane, where you can change your password. Don't actually use a different password. Just enter the password that you know, as the old password. Use the same password to 'change'. You are just using a different process to change password, and your system picks that up, and resets the keychain password, too.
You will see the message when you do that, that the keychain password is ALSO reset then. The only way that this won't help, is if you have previously locked your keychain, and it remains locked (by the former password)
 
Feel like an idiot, but the problem was the Administrator NAME not password. I'm good to go now and wanted to thank everyone for their help! Brenda
 
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Thanks for the follow up! People learn from the idiocy of others!

I like to think a few have learned from mine. :)

--J.D.
 
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