I'm desperate to know, Is there an alternate way to reset the master password on a Mac?

Question

Okay, here is the deal..My daughter needed a Mac so, I bought a used Macbook from a man in the classifieds. He tells me he's a retired Photographer and all he used it for was for viewing/editing pictures while traveling. It looked like it was almost new and everything seemed to work great.... but, when I was trying to install a specialty reader program for my disabled daughter, I discovered that portions of the Home and Applications files are locked with the Master password. I called customer service & they said I need to have into complete access be able to use this program!

So, I called the seller and He tells me he bought it from a friend in the military who must have put on the password, but who is now deployed somewhere and can't be reached. He apologized & hung-up!
Nice huh?
I do have the administrator's password. I know there is a way to just delete the Master password file but, I am scared there may be critical files in there because it's taking up a LOT of memory space (~70%.) I went to the Apple store & they said not to do it ... but really they were so rude and absolutely NO HELP at ALL!!!
I also, talked to a friend-of-a-friend's 'Computer Guy' and he said, Yes, but it was more like an "I'd go for it" kinda-thing, and he wasn't too reassuring.
Of course, I do not have the original disk either, but I do have access to a Snow Leopard original/restore disk from a friend's Macbook. Can I use my friends disk on mine? Has anyone else done this? I am concerned, I'll mess something up because they aren't the same size or model.
Here is the info for each:
MINE: Mac OS X 10.6.8 2.16 GHZ Intel Core 2, 1 GB and it says TM_1983-2011
FRIENDS: Mac OS X, 2,4 GHZ Intel Core 2, 2 GB, and it says TM_1983-2009
If you need some other info, just let me know.
(Sorry, ㇱ I know this is kinda long)
Anyways so, I REALLY need to get around this. I have been looking and waiting all summer for a "deal." My daughter is going off to college & I am in also in graduate school so, I am so seriously BROKE!and I just can't afford a new one or another one.
I just keep thinking there must be some amazing person out there, somewhere, that knows exactly how to fix this. I would be so thankful for ANY help, that you not only get the customary ★★★★★, but you will also receive my Never-Ending Gratitude and I may even be willing to dance at your wedding! ; )

Thanks ✌, ❤, & ☺!

Answer 1

...I don't own a Mac, but I did some searching through Almighty Google and found this:



http://hintsforums.macworld.com/archive/index.php/t-37672.html



Apparently, you're not the only one having this problem - this user was able to reset the master password (I'm guessing that the second post contains the details on how to do this).



If you need further help, here's a link to the Mac forums to post a question about this matter in - they'll be more help than I probably am, heh: http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-system/



I'm not sure whether or not the restore disk will work with your model though.

Answer 2

do you be attentive to somebody with an OS X disk? you may positioned any OS X disk into the force and reboot - suitable after the chimes, press and carry the C key as properly from the DVD. go with your language, and on the subsequent exhibit click on strategies on the authentic of the exhibit, then Reset Password. in case you completely can not get your palms on an OS X disk, the Apple keep show you how to borrow one for loose, and that they'll re-undertaking the fix Disks for a pair of dollars. There are different how you may "hack" the password devoid of disks, in spite of the fact that it is not hassle-free and not all strategies artwork on all machines - Google is your chum ;)

Answer 3

Create a new user, make it administrator, delete any old users. To reset the password you can boot into single user mode or you can use the Snow Leapord disc you have.