Note in Leopard, you access the password through Security & Privacy preference pane.In the Previous article, we’ve talked about How to Reset Mac Password Using Apple ID. Now test it by starting the Settings application, and go to Users & Groups. Quit and start again the Settings application.If they are removed, the system thinks there is no password set and you can now add a new one! Those files contain the FileVault master password. The above command removes two files from your system root (Macintosh HD by default): Sudo rm /Library/Keychains/FileVaultMaster.cer /Library/Keychains/FileVaultMaster.keychain This operation basically decrypt the Home Folder of the user and return it back to being with no encryption. The operation would take some time to complete. if FileVault is not enabled, ignore this step if FileVault is enabled, you can Turn FileVault off.in Mountain Lion, go to Settings->Security & Privacy and FileVault tab.

Perform those steps using an Admin account. Here is what you have to do to remove the Master Password or FileVault password: Make sure you follow Step one before Step two !! Important Caution: Before you do that you must disable FileVault (if it is enabled) as you will see below.If you do not disable FileVault, you will lose access to your Home Folder since there is no private key to open it. The Master Password is basically similar to a super user password. You can use it to reset the password and gain access to your home folder even if it is protected with encryption.”This provides protection for users who forget their login password”.

Note that the Master Password is used as a “safety net” in case you cannot access the computer and you need to reset the password of any user. there is a small button next to remove account button from where you can set or change a Master password. However, in Mountain Lion, you can access the Master Password screen from Users & Groups preference pane. In Leopard, it used to be accessed through the FileVault preference pane. The place of accessing that password has changed from Leopard to Mountain Lion (I don’t know about Lion!). So, you have just got a used Mac and discovered that there is a Master Password (in Mountain Lion), or what is refered to as FileVault, or you have forgotten your Master Password and you want to reset it or remove it completely.

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