How to set up a new password where none exists

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I just purchased a mid-2012 macbook pro and I have a question about setting up a password. I am pleased with the laptop, but there is no password for log-in and I want to add one. The problem is there I don't want to get into a problem with what the previous owner may or may not have had as a password. Can you offer me any advice?

Bob
 

pigoo3

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I just purchased a mid-2012 macbook pro and I have a question about setting up a password. I am pleased with the laptop, but there is no password for log-in and I want to add one. The problem is there I don't want to get into a problem with what the previous owner may or may not have had as a password. Can you offer me any advice?

First thing I always do when I purchase a "new to me" used computer…is reformat the HD…and do a fresh install of the OS. This way any residual stuff from the previous owner are eliminated.

As far as the password. Are you talking a login password when the computer is rebooted? If so…go to:

- Apple menu
- System Preferences
- Security & Privacy
- "General" tab

Here you will see the options for establishing a "login" password.:)

- Nick
 
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2011 27" iMac, 1TB(partitioned) SSD, 20GB, OS X 10.11.6 El Capitan
First thing I always do when I purchase a "new to me" used computer…is reformat the HD…and do a fresh install of the OS. This way any residual stuff from the previous owner are eliminated.

As far as the password. Are you talking a login password when the computer is rebooted? If so…go to:

- Apple menu
- System Preferences
- Security & Privacy
- "General" tab

Here you will see the options for establishing a "login" password.:)

- Nick


I'm just wondering if that also fixes and setsup the same password for the user's Keychain Access etc. It didn't in the old OS X days.
 
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