iMac G4 - password problem - reinstall Mac OS X

[llimac]

Hi everyone,

I recently got an iMac G4 PowerPC from my workplace. When I turn it on it (obviously) asks for a login and a password, which I don't know.

Any suggestions on how to solve that? (I doubt it)

Anyway,I don't mind reinstalling the OS, so that's what I'm trying now.

I don't exactly know which version of OS X is running, but it's not a very old one. I tried booting recovery mode (command+R) and it doesn't.
Also tried booting in safe mode: sometimes it doesn't but when it does, it asks for the password.

Then I tried downloading a Mac OS X 10.0 and 10.4 install disk DMG's, burning them on CD's, DVD's and even a USB stick (from Disk Utility in a MacBook Pro), booting the G4 while pressing Option but it only appears the main HHD. I also tried booting from the USB using Open Firmware mode (which I have access to) doing this: 10.5: Install on a PPC Mac from an external USB Drive - Mac OS X Hints
No success...

I don't have any original Mac OS X install disks.
I have a MacBook Pro that I could use to boot in Target mode, but I don't think it would work because it's an Intel Mac.

I have very little experience with Mac's and PowerPC's
After trying these many options, asking a forum it's the last one, so any help will be greatly appreciated. All I want is to reinstall the OS i can't belive it can be so difficult...

Thanks in advance,

Steve

 

[pigoo3]

I tried booting recovery mode (command+R) and it doesn't.

Recovery Mode didn't become an option until about 6-7 years AFTER iMac G4's were around.

All I want is to reinstall the OS i can't belive it can be so difficult...

It really isn't that hard/difficult. But when you:

- don't have any of the resources necessary to do an OS install (proper OS install media)
- working on a computer that could be as much as 12 years old
- admitted that you have very little experience with Mac's

When you are starting with this sort of handicap…of course it's going to be difficult.

I don't exactly know which version of OS X is running, but it's not a very old one.

How would you know this? You can't boot the computer properly to know exactly what OS version it is running.

Of course the version of OS X it is running is old. If it's one of the early iMac G4's…the max OS it can run is 10.4.11. OS 10.4 was released in 2005 (9 years ago).

Your first hurdle is to get past the login problem (login & password). Try this:

How to reset your Mac OS X password without an installer disc

- Nick

 

[llimac]

Thanks a lot!

That link solved my problem! (although not until the last option , a close call)

Btw, it's running Mac OS X 1.3.9

Steve