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General discussion

Bought Mac at yard sale

Sep 24, 2007 8:06AM PDT

I picked up a mac at a yard sale a few months ago and I can get into it since their is no password for some users, but I cant do a whole lot with it since I do not have the admin password. I also do not have any discs to reload all the software and just start out fresh. This is my first Mac and the only reason I got it was that my girlfriend thought it was just a flat screen monitor and she knew I wanted one so she got it for me. So here Is what I have....Apple g5 with bluetooth keyboard, bluetooth mouse, wired camera. I have never owned a Mac before so I do not know how to reformat the harddrive, or even know if this is possible. What discs will I need to make sure I reset everything as if it were new?

Discussion is locked

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details
Sep 24, 2007 8:11AM PDT

Here are some details I forgot to post...

iMAC G5
PowerMac 8,1
PowerPC G5(3.0)
1.6GHz

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One suggestion
Sep 24, 2007 9:38AM PDT

To reset the Administrator Password, you will need the Install disc. If the computer did not come with the original software disc, you will need to buy a new set. I suggest buying Tiger (OSX 10.4). Then, insert the Install disc and restart the computer. When you hear the startup tone, hold down the "C" key until you see the spinning gear. When the Installer appears, choose Utilities>Reset Password.

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That's a decent machine
Sep 24, 2007 10:46AM PDT

How much did she have to give for it, if it's not a rude question.

I wish I could find one like that!

P

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whats the point of entering a subject on every reply?
Sep 24, 2007 11:52AM PDT

I think she gave $75 for it. I wonder if I could just use it as a monitor for my other computer, or use the wireless keyboard and mouse on my ps3?

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No, you can't do that
Sep 24, 2007 9:52PM PDT

For $75 you have yourself a good machine that only needs the OS X installation disks.
For $99, you can have that machine up and running to your specs.

The mouse and keyboard are BlueTooth.

There is no Video IN on the computer.

A subject line helps those that read the forums to see the flow of information.

If you don't want that machine, let me know. I'll take it

P

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No, I'll take it!!
Sep 25, 2007 5:34AM PDT

I agree. If the poster has any doubts about this computer, I'll but it for more than what he paid. I've had an 17" iMac for over 3 years and it's running flawlessly and it's a workhorse. The only thing that will make the machine stop working is if I ever need software that needs the new Intel machine. I wouldn't mind having a G5 to take over for my iMac.