How to Reset a Forgotten Admin Password on an iMac

Forgetting your admin password can be frustrating, especially when you need access to important files and settings on your iMac. However, there is a way to reset it without losing any data or reinstalling the operating system.

To start, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your new account: Once the new account has loaded, go to System Preferences by clicking on the Go menu and selecting System Preferences. You can name this account whatever you like, as long as you'll be able to access it later.

2. Create a new Administrator account: After reaching the 'Thank You' screen, click through the next screens until you reach the point where you're asked if you already own a Mac. Choose 'Do not transfer my information now,' as we won't be migrating any data.

3. Press Command + Q to bypass prompts: When you reach the 'Enter Your Apple ID' screen, press the Command and Q keys at the same time to skip the rest of the prompts.

4. Reboot your iMac: Once you've completed these steps, reboot your computer by clicking on the Apple menu and selecting 'Restart.'

5. Boot into Single User Mode: To do this, hold down the Command + S keys as your iMac starts up. This will take you to a text-based interface where you can mount the volume you need access to.

6. Reset the admin password: From the Terminal window, type in 'resetpassword' and press Enter. You'll be taken to a menu where you can select the drive on which OS X is installed and choose the user whose password you want to reset.

Alternatively, if your iMac has a CD drive, you can insert the Mac OS X installer CD and hold down the C key as you boot up. This will allow you to change the administrator account's password from within the installer.

By following these steps, you should be able to reset your forgotten admin password on your iMac without losing any data or reinstalling the operating system.

Imac forgot admin password