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Question

Help. Can't get past log in screen

Jan 27, 2012 11:22PM PST

Hi,
I have an Intel Core duo iMac, runs on Tiger. Bought it 2006 new. I can't get past the log in screen. When switched on, it goes straight to this. i put my password in and it won't accept it. The password is def correct. Last time i used the machine (pre all this hassle) I logged out. I've tried the reinstall disc but it goes straight back to log in screen. Won't reboot, tried to install from an external dvd drive, same thing happens. Machine has kept time and date! There is a red dot on 'Network Accounts Unavailable'. What does that mean? Thanks for any advice.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Why not
Jan 28, 2012 1:34AM PST

Why not just boot from the install DVD and use it to reset the password? Check the Utilities menu once you get past the language selection screen. There should be a password reset program.

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Answer
To boot from the Restore DVD,
Jan 28, 2012 3:26AM PST

as just suggested, insert the disc and then restart your iMac.
At the chime, hold down the OPTION key and keep it down.
After a while, you will see an icon for the hard drive and an icon for the DVD.
Choose the DVD and hit return.

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Answer
Help. Can't get past log in screen
Jan 31, 2012 5:39AM PST

Thanks. Have tried all suggestions but it still goes back to the log in screen and gives me no opportunity to click on any menu, utilities, sys pref, etc.

What does the 'redded' out Network Accounts Unavailable mean? When you click the top of the log in screen you can check name, system, etc. I assume it said Network Accounts before it got a big red dot. Could it be this that is causing the hassle?
Also, how do you amend the language on the keyboard when you can't get into the system? Is there some combination of keys I can press to get rid of the gobblydegook that comes up. When I try to type in my name it comes up with all sorts of strange characters. Not surprised that the poor thing's pooped.

Thank you for your help. Hope I've posted back the right way.

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Do you have the OS X installation CD/DVD
Jan 31, 2012 9:20AM PST

for this computer?
If so, what happened when you followed the directions in my last post?

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Help. Can't get past login.
Feb 1, 2012 2:13AM PST

Hi,

Yes, I have the discs that came with the machine and it is the No 1 that I am putting in. On that, it says to hold down the C key, which I have done.. LOADS of times...but it still goes back to log in screen.

I did what you said to do. Screen went grey/white, apple logo came up, then the whirly wheel, then blue 'initialising mac' screen..which lasts about 2 secs flat..if that.., then it goes back to the blue log in screen. Takes no more than 30-40 secs. It's the same sequence that occurs no matter what keys I press when I put the disc in, beit Command C, S D or whatever combination. My keyboard is brand new and there's no 'option' printed on any key as such... Am holding the Alt key, .next to the command key on the left. (Googled to find it)

Do you know if there is a reliable list of what the commands do?,,like Cmd C, S, etc

Is there any other disc I could use, do you know, or would that corrupt the system? Does it have to be the one that came with the machine when I bought it?

Thanks for your time.

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Does not have to be the original discs,
Feb 1, 2012 7:58AM PST

any OS X retail installation disk will do.

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Did anyone ever solve this?
Nov 5, 2012 2:15PM PST

I have a 10.6.8 computer that is bricked. It has a local account (not directory bound), which when getting to the login prompt accepts the users password, proceeds as if about to login but bounces back to the login screen.

Tried: safe boot; reset password (via single user mode); removing /var/db/.AppleSetupDone (via single user mode); create new user (via single user mode);

The symptom persists. I have only ever seen this on directory bound computers where a users home directory has not been created on the network share (where the home directories are located) and hence a sync can't take place.

I have backed up the user account and am on the doorstep of re-installing the OS. Would like to know the answer though!!

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Did you ever try the first suggestion of booting
Nov 5, 2012 9:19PM PST

from the OSX installation disk, or the disks that came with the computer, and resetting all the passwords that way?

P

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no need to run from System Install disc..
Nov 6, 2012 10:37AM PST
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Why there is the usual answer.
Nov 7, 2012 1:02AM PST

I find most users to be unable to use the method you posted. The moment you ask them to type in a command they lock up and turn blue.
Bob

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It's all sorted.. head transplant
Nov 7, 2012 6:20AM PST

unfortunately had to use the sledge hammer. After creating a second user I experienced the same problem and had to say that the issue looked like a local directory service issue - but I couldn't find anything on all the forums I checked. So I backed up the users data, performed a System Restore and it worked. Would've loved to have known how to fix it though!