Password recovery, dont know how

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just bought a g4 ibook 12.1 year 2005, i want to use my own password but it says type in old password, i dont know what that one is, anyway to get around this?
 
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chscag

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First, you don't have a 1995 G4 iBook since the first one produced by Apple was around late 1999 - 2000. Perhaps you have a 2005 iBook? In any event, you'll need an install disk for the iBook in order to reset the password. Your iBook can probably run Tiger. Look for a retail version (black) of Tiger on eBay or Craig's list.
 
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In the interim any chance you know nthe previous owner to get this password?
 
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i have installed the new 10.4 install disc, then what do i do?
 
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i think i get it, do not archive and install and do the fresh one then it will ask for a new password right? thx
 

pigoo3

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i think i get it, do not archive and install and do the fresh one then it will ask for a new password right? thx

There shouldn't really be much need to preserve anything on the hard drive from the previous owner…so my choice would be the fresh install. In fact…I would erase & reformat the hard drive…then do the fresh OS install.

As far as the password. Go ahead with the OS install…and see what happens. I sure hope that the previous owner didn't setup a "firmware password".

Setting up firmware password protection in Mac OS X

- Nick
 
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how do i erase and reformat the hard drive? i've never had to do this, thx
 
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Pop the disc in, reboot and hold down 'C' after the chime. Leave Installer and go to utilities > Disk Utility and run Erase, formatting Mac OS Extended, in to Partition > Option and ensure Apple Partition Map is selected. Back to the Installer and run it.

Remember evrything on the drive will be nuked. And the OS X.4 disc is black and not silver/grey?
 
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here's the thing, the guy that sold it to me said they never used a password, but when i go to install a later safari or updates it say's enter password, i put nothing and it say's password incorrect. i'm going to try to install the disc again and see what happens. thx for any input.
 
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Dis you try pressing the return or enter key for the "no password" when asked??
 
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OK. I guess some will just have to wonder how and what method you used... oh well... next...??? ;)
 
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Post the fix MacForever in order someone else with the same problem can learn.
 

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