help me my new computer is broke and I can't get past my own password

[Dr Rock]

so my old mini mac finally died and so I got a new one from a friend and the first thing we did was try to use the time machines backups to transition the new Mac with the  previous ones 'identity.'
This didn't work.
Now I have a Mac that has the same HD name as the previous onscreen and a demand for a password. The previous one had a password to get it started and I'll tell you it was just the letter x. this one the X doesn't work even though it gives you a hint that the answer is x .
I can't get past password can't get the computer into recovery mode, I have no idea what to do except ignore the problem and order some delicious tofu. Are there any computer whizzkid-boffinds that can help me with this frustrating situation?

[Dr Rock]

well whoopdidoo I managed to get it into recovery mode. currently trying too reinstall the system. I'll keep you updated in this very exciting thread.

[Dr Rock]

...and turns out the solution was to type 'passwordreset' into terminal. On a new HD and everything is fucked up now.