There are a few reasons you’d need to break into a Mac, and there are a few reasons I’m writing this article right now. I’ve put this article into the “10 – Second Tips” category though, so if you’re in a hurry, and would like to skip the explanation, just scroll on down to the dotted line.
Still with me? Okay, great.
First, there are several legitimate reasons you might need to break into your own computer. Here’s one: I have a client who is a little bit sensitive about passwords, and changes hers pretty consistently. Sadly, the result is often one of her getting locked out of her own computer. It actually happens quite often to people.
Secondly, I wanted to let everyone know that this trick is NOT a big secret, and is easily discoverable with only a quick Google search.
So while there are several legitimate reasons one might need to use this trick, there are plenty of shady reasons too, and the person who is going to steal your computer the next time you’re travelings knows how to do this.
So if you’re worried about security, password-protecting your Mac is not enough. Read on…
Here’s the dotted line I mentioned earlier
——————-
Tools required: (1) Mac OSX install DVD. That’s it.
Time required: Just over 10 seconds.
Step 1: Insert Mac OSX install DVD into CD Drive.
Restart computer with on-screen buttons, or by pressing and holding the power button to shut down, and then pushing the power button once to restart. After restarting, immediately hold down the “C” key until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. Holding down “C” forces the computer to start up from the DVD instead of starting up from the operating system on its hard drive.
Step 2: Select English, and hit the little “next” arrow at the bottom.
Step 3: When Installer Menu comes up, go up to the Utilities Menu. Click on Reset Password.
Step 4: Choose (click on) the Hard Drive icon in the pictured box. Select the user (s) you wish to reset the password for.
Enter your password in. Enter again in the verify field. Click on “Save.”
Step 5: Quit the Reset Password Utility.
Step 6: Quit the Mac OSX Installer.
Step 7: The following window pops up. Click on Startup Disk.
Step 8: Select the Computer’s Hard Drive, and then click on “Restart.”
——————-
That’s it!
If you are prone to locking yourself out of your computer, you may find this article to be very helpful.
If you’re concerned about security, you may want to rethink your current security workflow. Let me know if I can help.
Contact me HERE.
Thanks for reading!
~Chris
{ 1 comment }
Awesome tip Chris! Not an issue for me directly, but I’ve had family do this…
But more importantly for people to know that merely password-protecting your account isn’t a guarantee that nobody will ever be able to gain access to your computer!