University Computer Help Desk

Before You Begin

To reset an account password in Mac OS X using these instructions, you must use an Apple Software Restore disc or a Mac OS X Install disc to boot your computer. The Mac OS version on the disc must match the version on the computer (i.e. to perform these steps on a computer running Mac OS X 10.3.9, you must use a Mac OS X 10.3 Install Disc).

These instructions work with Mac OS X 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, and 10.5. This procedure resets an account password, not the Keychain password.

Warning: Do not use these instructions to reset the password for a FileVault-protected account. Doing so may render the contents of the account inaccessible.

Reset an Account Password

To reset an account password on Mac OS X, do the following:

1. Insert your Apple Software Restore Disc or your Mac OS X Install Disc and restart the computer.
2. Press and hold the C key as the computer starts. You may release the key when the gray Apple logo appears. This will start the Mac OS X installer.
3. Select a language and click Continue.
4. Do one of the following:
   
   • Mac OS X 10.2 or 10.3: Click Installer > Reset Password.
   • Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5: Click Utilities > Reset Password.
5. Click on your hard drive in the Reset Password window.
6. Select the account whose password you want to reset. Do not reset the password for the System Administrator (root) account.
7. Enter a new password twice and click Save.
8. Click Reset Password > Quit Reset Password.
9. Quit the installer and restart your computer.

The account password has now been reset.