iMac G3 reqs password on boot 2

[lb63640]

I'm a PC chick, but recently hubby got a blue iMac G3 via freecycle, so it looked like fun---plus, it was free.

It boots, displays a happy face and "Mac OS 9" splash.

Finally, a "Welcome to Mac OS" is displayed and it waits patiently for a password. Sadly, we have no password. The person who gave it to us did so because SHE didn't have a password, or OS CDs to reinstall.

What I can tell is that it's been on a network and has an ip addy 1.4.xxx.

Can anybody steer me toward a default computer owner's password or hack to get past this? In the meantime, I'm checking out eBay for restore or OS CDs.

I'd like to learn about the "other side" of computing, so any help will be appreciated!

 

[jimoblak]

See the FAQ here.

 

[jmgalvin]

you really should buy a copy of Mac OS9, via ebay or some used software place, so you have somthing else to boot from.

The password was set for multiple users i OS9, a feature most used by schools. I know of no way to bypass without a boot cd. When you boot from the cd, you go to control panels/multiple users and change or trash them.

One thing about learning about mac - OSX is a lot different from OS9 and earlier.

Using OSX 10.3.9 on a G4

 

[lb63640]

Thanks to jimoblak and jmgalvin! Stars to you both for your patience with a Newbie (so new I have to use a capital "N").

A friend loaned us a copy of his OS8.5 and we were able to at least boot with that and bypass the security, just to have a look around and get an idea about hard drive size,e tc.

We were able to find a copy of OS9 on eBay and it should be arriving early next week, so we'll have lots of play and learn time ahead.

Also, we've got a home network with PCs and hubby would like to add the Mac into the mix.

Any suggestions for good books to get to help in the learning curve for the Mac in general?

 

[jimoblak]

Networking in OS9 to Windows is not as easy (and as free) as OSX - - but your system seems too old to make good use of OSX.

http://www.thursby.com/products/dave-eval.html

http://ca.miramar.com/Products/PC_MACLAN/

If you or the hubby can stomach it, you can alternatively set up an FTP server on either the Mac or Windows computers to share files. There are free servers and clients out there.

 

[lb63640]

Thanks for the tips, jimoblak. Hubby just decided to burn stuff to CD from his PC and load on the MAC. Not very elegant, but it works for what he wants