Quackerback
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Can't add user or log in as root
I am using OS 10.3.8 on a G3 PowerBook Pismo. I had 2 users set up and deleted one (using the immediate delete) from the Accounts pane in System Preferences. I then tried to create a new user, but when I click on the plus sign in the bottom left corner, nothing happens. (Yes, it is unlocked.) Thinking I might have more luck under "root", I tried logging in as root but it doesn't recognize the password. It has been a long time since I have used root, so it could be I have just forgotten the root password. So I went to NetInfo Manager, copied the password (all in astericks) from my main and now only user and pasted that password into the password field for root. But it still won't let me log into root. And I did repair permissions before I tried all this. I don't know if these 2 problems are connected in any way, but would appreciate help solving either!
ASKER
Brett,
The second link to unplannedthought.com does not work. (At least isn't working tonight.)
SB
The second link to unplannedthought.com does not work. (At least isn't working tonight.)
SB
In System Preferences > Accounts is the User that remains (out of the 2) an Admin? It sounds as though the original user (which is always Admin by default) has been deleted and the secondary user isn't an Admin.
If this is the case then I would give Brett's first link a go, however I think this procedure is for the original admin account only.
Let us know how you get on.
Simon
If this is the case then I would give Brett's first link a go, however I think this procedure is for the original admin account only.
Let us know how you get on.
Simon
ASKER
The user I deleted was the second user, not the first. So I still have the administrator password, though both users were set as administrators.
ASKER
OK, I discovered my root password so I am no able to log in as root and it did not help. So now my only problem is that I cannot create new users.
OK, I had this exact same problem last night. I'm selling my old laptop and was getting it ready for the new owner and couldn't create a new user either.
The only way I could get around it was by running Diskwarrior.
HTH
Simon
The only way I could get around it was by running Diskwarrior.
HTH
Simon
ASKER
I've run both DiskWarrior and TechTool Pro 4. Neither helped, still cannot create a new user. Someone at MacFixIt suggested that I might have a corrupted NetInfo datafile and gave me the link to the instructions for restoring the defaults. Any reason I shouldn't do this, other than I'll have to re-enter a bunch of settings?
ASKER
I restored the defaults in the NetInfo database and that fixed the problem. Go to this link at Apple for instructions:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107210
Note that you will have to restore all of your settings so best to write things down first if you don't remember them. If you enter in the same user name as your first user, then it opens up into that user.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107210
Note that you will have to restore all of your settings so best to write things down first if you don't remember them. If you enter in the same user name as your first user, then it opens up into that user.
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http://www.answers.vt.edu/ask4help/desktop/vtkb2224.htm
You can also reset the root password from single user mode:
http://www2.unplannedthought.com:8080/archives/2003/11/22/recovering_mac_os_x_password.php