How to reset password on an Apple computer when Apple ID information is not available
Obviously by my question, all will know that I am Apple illiterate.
I have a client that has a MAC Apple computer and the password no longer works.
I have done the following:
Booted to Recovery Mode
Ran Utilities - Terminal Mode typed resetpassword
Choose user [only one user present, and it is the user I want to change the password for]
enter password for otheruser@iclod.com. [I think this may be an Apple ID]
This is where the problem occurs, The "other user" is no longer with the organization, and has no recollection of ever having created the ID. [I think that this computer was the first Apple that "other user" had anything to do with.
Is there anyway to recover or revoke or replace the current other user@icloud.com? Would it make sense to try wipe the computer and start over with a fresh install of the OS? Obviously any data that may be on the computer is lost if the password cannot be reset. Can the computer operating system be restored without knowing the information for "other user"
I have a client that has a MAC Apple computer and the password no longer works.
I have done the following:
Booted to Recovery Mode
Ran Utilities - Terminal Mode typed resetpassword
Choose user [only one user present, and it is the user I want to change the password for]
enter password for otheruser@iclod.com. [I think this may be an Apple ID]
This is where the problem occurs, The "other user" is no longer with the organization, and has no recollection of ever having created the ID. [I think that this computer was the first Apple that "other user" had anything to do with.
Is there anyway to recover or revoke or replace the current other user@icloud.com? Would it make sense to try wipe the computer and start over with a fresh install of the OS? Obviously any data that may be on the computer is lost if the password cannot be reset. Can the computer operating system be restored without knowing the information for "other user"
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Yes. You can change the password of the other user from the System Preferences menu. You can also change the ownership of the files and folders and read the data. You can delete the account. Once you have admin access, you can do anything you want.
ASKER
The rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone returned a no directory found message. I have gone to the install another operating system, and it is sitting with install greyed out. I imagine it will install over time
Sorry, It should be there, but I forgot the sudo.
sudo rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
sudo rm /var/db/.AppleSetupDone
I have gone to the install another operating system, and it is sitting with install greyed out.What do you mean greyed out.
ASKER
It would appear that I did not select the drive to install the operating system on. I was able to start the install of the second operating system. I will check tomorrow as it was going to be running for awhile.
What kind of Mac is it? Is i one of the newer Macbook Pros with the faster M.2 SSD drives? Those should install in about 30 minutes plus your internet download speed. If it's an older system with a Spinning disk, they should install in about 60 to 90 minutes.
ASKER
I will check that later. It is probably 2 or 3 years old. It is a desktop unit. I think it might be Sierra OS
ASKER
Checked the computer. It had updated the system, but did not install a new operating system that I could tell.
I had chosen reinstall macOS
Should I have used disk Utility to erase a disk?
I thought that may leave only a blank disk with no way to install the OS
When I ls at the -bash prompt, it only shows .forward and library directory
I tried t invoke su [worked on redhat], but it is obviously not a command on the Apple.
The rm command did not find a /var directory. Is there a way to tell if I am in root, or where would the /var directory be?
My preference would be to just gain control of the computer, and hopefully the organization would create a common icloud account for all of their computers.
Your thoughts
I had chosen reinstall macOS
Should I have used disk Utility to erase a disk?
I thought that may leave only a blank disk with no way to install the OS
When I ls at the -bash prompt, it only shows .forward and library directory
I tried t invoke su [worked on redhat], but it is obviously not a command on the Apple.
The rm command did not find a /var directory. Is there a way to tell if I am in root, or where would the /var directory be?
My preference would be to just gain control of the computer, and hopefully the organization would create a common icloud account for all of their computers.
Your thoughts
Erasing the disk through disk utility will erase all data and force a brand new reinstall on the system. If you don't want that, just reinstall on the current system and you should be able to get access.
The sudo command forces the subsequent command to run as root.
The sudo command forces the subsequent command to run as root.
ASKER
sudo gives a command not found error. I was able to cd down to do, but the rm .AppleSetuoDone returned a no such file or directory
ASKER
Which disk do I erase?
IMG_20190317_135906.jpg
IMG_20190317_135906.jpg
ASKER
I was not able to use the sudo rm command, but was able to erase the disk, re-install the OS. and the computer is functioning
ASKER
Is there any way to have the existing ID deleted, or should it just be ignored?