How to reset admin password in Mac OS 10.5

I was asked recently how to reset an Administrator's password in OS 10.5 without the reinstall disks. Here's how you do it:

First things first...log in to a command prompt in single user mode by holding Command + S when the computer is starting up.
At the prompt, type this followed by Return: mount -uw /
Type this: launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
Press Return
Type this, then press Return: ls /Users
Look at the listing and note the short name (username) of the affected user account.
Type this: dscl . -delete /Users/username AuthenticationAuthorityNote: Replace "username" with the affected user account's short name you noted above.
Press Return
Type this, followed by Return: passwd usernameNote: Replace "username" with the affected user account's short name you noted above.
At the "New password:" prompt, type the user's password, then Return. Note: It is recommended that the original user's password be used to match the keychain password.
At the "Retype new password" prompt, type the same password, followed by Return.
Type this, followed by Return: reboot

Hope this helps!
Jay - Head Geek In Charge

iTunes 8 won't install on Vista, or crashes Vista

We've found that iTunes 8 is crashing Vista, or iTunes won't install at all. The main error states: "Itunes installer completed - The installer encountered errors before iTunes could be configured..."
We've found a solution, but this may not work for everybody. Here's a really good link to help you through the steps - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1926?viewlocale=en_US
Make sure you use the recommended tool to remove any traces of iTunes on your system before taking the next step which is...simply...
...don't install iTunes 8 - use version 7.5 instead, downloadable from www.filehippo.com - of course, search for iTunes 7.5.

If anyone else has any recommendations, please feel free to post here.

Thanks,
The Geeks Admin

Fake Antivirus Software

This is to provide help with some of you who may be experiencing an influx of "Antivirus" programs popping up with notices that you are "infected." These programs go by many names: WinAntivirus Pro, Antivirus XP 2008, SpyAxe, SpySherrif, and others too countless to mention. Go ahead and post your questions or experiences here.

Welcome Bloggers!

I sure am glad to be able to offer this blog to those of you who would like to share your ideas and thoughts about Hire The Geeks, unusual problems, or technology in general. Let the community know we're here...and thanks for making Hire The Geeks (formerly Computer Geeks) the best computer service company in Central California!