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General discussion

unknown password workaround?

Jan 31, 2011 3:04AM PST

I installed OS X10.2 on a G4 Cube that was given to me. (It was running Classic 9.1) I updated the firmware first, then used the Mac OS X v10.2 dvds for the installation. I selected "archive and install" in extended format. I also told it to save the existing users and groups, home, and network settings. A message came up that said the installation was successful. Then a blue screen came up that identified the computer as belonging to the previous owner and asked me for a password. I don't have the password. There are no other icons on the screen, so I can't go any farther without a password. Help? Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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reset the passwords by using the OS X install DVD's
Jan 31, 2011 3:14AM PST

start from the DVD, move through the install until you see the Menu bar appear.

One of the options in the bar is Password Reset.

10.2 is not the best version of OS X that will run on that machine. 10.4.11 will work well if you max out the RAM.

Just as an FYI. Classic refers to System 9 running under OS X.
System 9 running by itself is just System 9.

P

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password reset successful
Jan 31, 2011 2:20PM PST

Thank you for the help! And for the info about "Classic." (I didn't realize until recently that OS X is supposed to be pronounced "OS TEN" instead of OS X.)