If 998 and 99 aren't setup with passwords during the install then you won't be able to use them.
Do you have this confused with another system perhaps? While it's not advisable (as it presents a major hack/security hole) the manager's mailboxes will work fine without being password-protected. Or maybe you are thinking of the updated security features in the newer TVS units, which don't allow access to the manager's mailboxes thru the phone unless it is enabled during initial configuration.
Question, If I follow the instructions for a voicemail reset, I dont care if we lose all the current voicemails but will I have to connect my PC and re-setup all the mailboxes and permissions or will it default to a state where I can just do the rest by phone (ie: 999, 998, or individual mailboxes via each extension)?
If you do not have the password you will have to default the system. It's what you should do anyway....the instructions to do it correctly are in the installation manual. Yes, you WILL have to connect a PC to configure the system again after defaulting it. And be aware that the TVS requires a PC with a serial port and a null modem cable (USB/serial adapters usually don't work).
Everyone is so quick to say get the manual. I have the manual and if everything was so straight forward the customer wouldnt need us, and we wouldnt need forums.
I don't mean to sound insulting, but last I checked the purpose of this board was to help end-users solve problems by pointing them to the correct areas of system programming or documentation. It is not designed to help bootleg installers work on equipment they have not taken the time to educate themselves on.
The installation manuals are perfectly straight forward for those of us who have taken the time to read them and practice on the equipment before trying to do it for a customer. If you have not worked on one of these in 10 years and cannot understand the instructions in the manual, you need to get some local assistance from or refer you customer to someone more experienced/qualified. It isn't fair to them otherwise.