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TICKET ARCHIVE -> system admistrator problem

countrygal1 - Mar 5, 2008 - 9:08 pm

I need to know how to reprogram my administrator account on my new macbook. The Tech guy hooked everything up. My Name got spelled wrong and he corrected it, but now it won't accept either my name or my password, I'm not sure which. I can't do any updates until I figure out how to correct the mistakes. I know what the password was supposed to be but don't know what it ended up. I tried to fix it myself, but can't figure out how to do it if a mistake was made.
Carol Banewicz

CaribbeanOS-X - Mar 5, 2008 - 10:00 pm

Countrygal:

Thanks for coming to macosx.com.

This i just answered a similar question... first let's get your password sorted out. I think you will need STEP 2, read below. Then once you have your NEW password sorted out. Click the little Apple up in the top corner and go to SYSTEM PREFERENCES> ACCOUNTS
There you will be able to change your personal info on the Admin account and create other user accounts if needed.

___________________

Step 1:

To change the OS X administrator password if you know the current password:

1. Log in as the administrator
2. Click on Apple menu - System Preferences - Accounts
3. Under My Account, make sure the administrator account is selected
4. Click the Change Password button
5. Enter the current (old) password, the new password and a password hint
6. Click the Change Password button

If you do not remember the administrator password and automatic login is turned off, you can reset the administrator password using the Mac OS X User Install disc.


STEP 2:

To change the OS X administrator password if you have forgotten the current password:

1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc
2. Restart the computer
3. When you hear the startup tone, press and hold the C key until you see the spinning gear
4. When the Installer appears, choose Utilities - Reset Password
5. Follow the onscreen instructions to change the password
6. Quit the Installer
7. Restart your Mac while pressing and holding the mouse button to eject the disc

Let us know if this works for you and if you have other questions.

Warmly,

CaribbeanOS-X

countrygal1 - Mar 7, 2008 - 10:41 pm

Well I got brave enough to do what you advised, but now that brings up a second login problem. This one I am really clueless on. How do I change the key chain pass word when I haven' even heard of it before? I want both to be the same but I don't know how to do it. I still can't believe I did the first part without ruining something. Gee this was supposed to have been easy because I paid techs to set everything up and still I have trouble. Carol

CaribbeanOS-X - Mar 7, 2008 - 11:51 pm

Why pay techs when you have all the help you need at Macosx.com... hee hee.

Ok... so let's move on to the keychain... it is part of your Operating system... it just keeps track and in a secure manner your passwords. From websites, to other things you want to password protect. In case you forget them they are kept in your keychain... the only one you need to remember and keep in a safe place would be the admin password... but you've clearly accomplished that feat... good work by the way.

KEYCHAIN...
Go to APPLICATIONS> UTILITIES> KEYCHAIN ACCESS.APP (it's at the bottom of your application list.)

Once that is opened you might see a small list of things... perhaps an email account? Or maybe nothing as your macbook is new... go to the the Preferences and press reset KEYCHAIN, it will ask you for your login pass(your new admin pass) and set your keychain to the same pass as you have just recently changed. ( i hope you remember it.)

That should be all...

Let me know if i can assist further. I hope the above is clear.

Again: Go to Applications>Utilities>keychain access.app
and reset keychain in the PREFERENCES> then enter your newly created ADMIN/login password.

You should be up and running.

You don't even need to use the keychain if you don't want to. If you are to install a new program, for example FireFox, it will only ask to enter your admin pass.


Best, CaribbeanOS-X

countrygal1 - Mar 8, 2008 - 12:23 am

Well, I think I did it. We'll see what happens. This is just the place I need, to get easy to understand, concise directions. I feel so much better now. I was without my downstairs computer for almost two weeks, which was driving me nuts. I love my new Mac Book and I have it hooked up to a wireless keyboard, mouse , and a wonderful flat wide screen monitor. Now I just have to learn how everything operates. I have a small question. To use time machine do I have to purchase the new $300 drive for doing backups or will something else work? The new operating system seems to be really something. I have some books ordered to study. Thanks so much for your help.

Carol

CaribbeanOS-X - Mar 8, 2008 - 12:30 am

I'll give you a break down tomorrow... it's 2:29 in the am where i am at the moment... just about to go to bed.

But yes if you want to back up i would recommend an external hard drive... more info such as what is the best brand, fire wire over usb etc...

Glad things are working out for you.

Warmly,

CaribbeanOS-X

countrygal1 - Mar 8, 2008 - 11:58 pm

Will be waiting to hear about the external hard drive stuff. I haven't closed this ticket yet because I hope to have future questions answered by you. Your answers are really easy to read and follow instructions. Thanks again

CaribbeanOS-X - Mar 9, 2008 - 12:32 am

Carol, thanks for the nice feedback.

Ok... let's go to the APPLE STORE. (click the below link, please.)

APPLE STORE for External Hard Drives

Now, what are you direct needs for SIZE:
To back up your entire system?
Photos?
Movies?
Music?
XP with Boot Camp or Parallels?

You can go with that $299 Time Capsule at 500GB. That's a lot of space... for example that could store over 500DVD's.

I have Lacie Porche design 230GB's and i stack/add additional ones as i need them.

I think if you are new and just getting started with mac the time capsule will be the most efficient and simple to use with your new mac and Leopard OS X.

I recommend getting a External HD with FIREWIRE over USB, it's much faster.

Back to the NEEDS: Once you get it, we can go about setting it up for your needs. Do you want to run XP on it?

I run my 40,000+ iTunes library from my External Drives and all Backed up DVD's etc... plus the important files that i need for work and other software. (even XP sits on one)

If i have a problem with the OS i just reinstall from the Mac Install Disks, i prefer to do a clean install that way.

Talk to to a technician at the APPLE store or BestBuy, or where ever you go to buy the drive and bounce some questions off him. If you're still not sure, you can come back here.

Talk soon.

Night

countrygal1 - Mar 10, 2008 - 2:22 am

Hi,
I won't be buying my drive for a bit. Would like to know if I close this ticket is there a way to get you personally when I need your help again? It has been great knowing there is a place to go to get my questions answered. Your responses have been so helpful. Thanks again. Carol

CaribbeanOS-X - Mar 10, 2008 - 2:58 am

Glad i could i help... if you want you can send me a Msg... just click my name and there will be the option of sending me a PM (Private Msg... it's just an email)

Keep in touch.