Password problems.

[Beau '63]

I recently bought a used iMac (all-in-one; I'm new to Macs) from the Surplus Store. Because of not knowing the previous owner, I have no idea what the passwords are.
I need to know if there is a way to delete the passwords, if not the user also, without having to take apart the computer just to change the hard drive and install a new OS just use it.

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello and welcome.

-You don't know any of the passwords, correct?
-Does it automatically login to any of the accounts?
-If so, can you find which version of OS X/macOS it is running in  > About This Mac?

Depending on the version of OS X/macOS, you can either perform an erase and install, or older versions allow you to reset passwords from the Recovery Partition.

C

 

[Beau '63]

Thanks, Cory. I actually stumbled on to the password because of the hint. But, it's always good to know all the options. I would still like to remove the user and get it into my name. But right now, I'm learning how to navigate and find files and apps.

 

[Cory Cooper]

No worries.

If you know the password of an admin account, you can create a new account and give it admin rights in the Users & Groups preference pane. Then, logout of the current user, login to your new admin account, and delete the other one.

C