Now What?

So I'm getting ready to install Panther and a window pops up saying "You need an administrator name and password or phrase to make changes in Install Mac OS X." The problem is that this computer was left to me by my uncle who has passed away so obtaining the password or phrase is impossible. Any ideas on what to do?? Thanks!

Do you have the discs that originally came with the system?

do a complete clean install of panther - not an update - use the original install disks

if you have the install discs, hold down the the c key at start up and on the menu bar at the top and under utilities you can change the system password to the computer.

I was not able to find utilities anywhere. It seems that OS 9.2 and X are both on this comp. I don't have the other disks right now only Panther with me.

What if I dont have the install disks???

That's the only way to reset the password.

Of course, if you're aiming for a wipe of the internal hd and install, the full install Panther disk will work. Did you hold down the C key on boot up while the Panther disk was in the optical drive ?

Good news! - I just found OS 9.2 install and OS X install disks, applications cd, and the 5 system restore disks. Do I now just pop in the Mac OS X disk for it to reinstall?? Will it be better for the speed of the comp as well as freeing up space to eliminate OS 9.2? I held the C button down but nothing happened.

MacHeadCase said:

That's the only way to reset the password.

Of course, if you're aiming for a wipe of the internal hd and install, the full install Panther disk will work. Did you hold down the C key on boot up while the Panther disk was in the optical drive ?

Click to expand...

I held down the C key but nothing happened. Wont it ask for a password even to reinstall the OS with the original disks??

Just want to make sure you have followed the correct sequence, here...

You inserted the OS X install disk in the optical drive, then restarted while holding down the C key and nothing happened ?

Thanks everyone for the help! I'm up and running with Panther. I can see with just a few hours of using the Mac why they are so much better then PC's.

What's on that X tools cd??

I believe it is developer tools.. hmm

NewMacUser5 said:

Thanks everyone for the help! I'm up and running with Panther. I can see with just a few hours of using the Mac why they are so much better then PC's.

What's on that X tools cd??

Click to expand...

Care to let others know what fixed this situation ? You didn't say what finally fixed it and others might need this solution to get themselves out of a similar problem. It would be cool if you could help them out too by giving this info.

Sorry to take some time to get back to you guys with a response. I reinstalled OS 10.1 with the original install disks that came with the comp without any problems. Then I was able to update with Panther by just popping in the install disks and then was able to set my own password.

Thanks everyone for the info/help.