Creating a new Admin user

[SeaDragon]

Is there a way to create a new Admin User when there isn't one already?

Apparently the Admin User I originally set up when I gave my MacBook to my brother is now missing and a Standard User is there instead. Don't know how or why, I just need to fix it. Unfortunately he is in Montana and I am in Texas. He is resistant to taking it to a shop for help so I am his IT person.

With that said, is there anything that I can do or instructions that I can walk him through that will fix this?

Thank you for any help you can give me.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

This might help.

3 Ways to Create an Admin Account on Mac Without an Admin – TickTechTold

 

[SeaDragon]

This might help.

3 Ways to Create an Admin Account on Mac Without an Admin – TickTechTold

Thank you so much!

 

[Slydude]

I didn't think it was possible to run without at least one Admin account available even if someone rarely/never used it.

 

[SeaDragon]

I didn't think it was possible to run without at least one Admin account available even if someone rarely/never used it.

Well apparently it does. I took my Admin off when I gave it to him. None of this is making any sense.

 

[SeaDragon]

This might help.

3 Ways to Create an Admin Account on Mac Without an Admin – TickTechTold

Update...

We tried the first method and it didn't work. Now it is shutting down when he tries to set the clock. Screen just turns black and that is it. Seems to shut itself off and won't turn back on. We are going to let it rest its little brain before trying again.

I will keep you posted on any progress.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

I didn't think it was possible to run without at least one Admin account available even if someone rarely/never used it.

You can run without an Admin user if you intend to make no changes to the machine, install no new apps and all that.

 

[IWT]

I may be completely misunderstanding the situation; but I thought that if a used Mac was correctly dealt with before handing over to another individual - eg:

What to do before you sell, give away, trade in or recycle your Mac – Apple Support (UK)

Reset your Mac to factory settings to prepare it for a new owner.

support.apple.com

Then the new owner would have no problem creating an Admin Account.

So my question to @SeaDragon is: did you follow the proper steps as indicated in the Link above before you gave it to your brother?

Ian

 

[Slydude]

You can run without an Admin user if you intend to make no changes to the machine, install no new apps and all that.

You're right about that of course. I just assumed someone would always want/need an admin account for those very tasks. Even if one doesn't need it often.

 

[MacBiter]

You're right about that of course. I just assumed someone would always want/need an admin account for those very tasks. Even if one doesn't need it often.

It's best to have one - I'm not sure you can even 'sudo' in Terminal unless you're an admin ?.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

You're right about that of course. I just assumed someone would always want/need an admin account for those very tasks. Even if one doesn't need it often.

Agreed.

It's best to have one - I'm not sure you can even 'sudo' in Terminal unless you're an admin ?.

Correct, if you aren't in the sudoers file explicitely or in the appropriate group that can 'sudo', you can't.

Generally, not having an Admin account is not good. Even if folks create a separate regular account to keep things separate.

 

[MacBiter]

I've always had my main user as an admin.

 

[IWT]

I feel that an answer to my Post #8 might throw some light on the matter. So far the OP hasn't responded to this yet.

Ian

 

[Raz0rEdge]

I've always had my main user as an admin.

Yes, the first account created is usually the admin. Subsequent accounts can be created as regular or admin accounts.

On Linux, for example, there is the "root" user that's created by default and you set it's password. You then create a separate user account which can be made an admin by adding them to the sudoers file. Otherwise, it automatically remains a regular user account.

Each OS does it a little it different, but at the end of day there should ideally be an admin account to manage the system, otherwise you end up having to do a a bunch of hacks.

 

[MacBiter]

On Linux, for example, there is the "root" user that's created by default and you set it's password. You then create a separate user account which can be made an admin by adding them to the sudoers file. Otherwise, it automatically remains a regular user account.

Theoretically you can do the same on Mac OS, but there isn't much point as any admin account can 'sudo' via Terminal to employ root privileges.

 

[Jimmysb]

What is ‘sudo’.

 

[MacInWin]

sudo - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Raz0rEdge]

What is ‘sudo’.

On Unix-like systems, there is a command called 'su' which allows a regular user to become Super User. Once this command is executed, you remain the super user until you specifically 'exit' to return to your regular user-ness.

As the super user actions aren't limited, running commands is risky and folks might forget to exit causing a lot of damage.

To that end, there's another command called 'sudo' which stands for Super User Do that allows you to run a single action as the super user, if you're authorized to do so.

 

[pm-r]

didn't think it was possible to run without at least one Admin account available even if someone rarely/never used it.

Ditto for me as well. But I can't imagine running a Mac without a admin user.




- Patrick
=======

 

[pm-r]

sudo - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

And another quick way with every version of Mac OS that I know of:

To look up a word on a Mac, you can right-click (or Control-click) the word and select Look Up from the shortcut menu:
You can also use the trackpad to look up a word by tapping it with three fingers.

Nice quick and simple.

Just in case some users didn't know.




- Patrick
=======