EFI Password to Diagnose Hardware Problem

I recently had to service my (7 month old) iMac for a intermittent OD problem.
Of course, the apple service provider needed to run a diagnostic on my machine to determine this. However, before that could be done I was asked for the EFI password.
"A what?" I said.
It was not my administrative password. And I absolutely had no idea when I would have assigned one since I did not know what the EFI was at the time. Then the Apple Service Provide just used an admin. account to run the diagnostic.
My question is... is this a 'standard install' Mac OS X Leopard feature with a factory set password? Or does the responsibility for the EFI password lie with this user? And possibly some 'long forgotten non-apple program'?

Hello ba:
Welcome to Apple discussions.
I have never heard of an EFI password either. However, a search of knowledge base articles yielded this informative article:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352
Barry

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Using EFI password "full" security isn't working

Hi,
I'm trying to use the EFI Password Utility to prohibit any attempt to boot my MacBook Pro without the correct password. I used the utility available on the MacBook Pro's supplied install DVD, and so far have successfully prevented the use of any keystrokes on boot without the correct password (ie. "command" mode). However, I am unable to set the EFI to prohibit any attempt to boot.
Apple documents in its, "Mac OS X: Security Configuration - For Mac OS X Version 10.6 Snow Leopard" PDF manual that,
You can also configure EFI from the command line by using the nvram tool. […]
You can set the security mode to one of the following values:
     Full: This value requires a password to start up or restart your computer. It also requires a password to make changes to EFI.
For example, to set the security-mode to full you would use the following command:
     $ sudo nvram security-mode=full
I applied this setting, but it doesn't appear to be working. The redacted output of "nvram -x -p" is as follows:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
          <key>EFICapsule_Result</key>
          <data>
          REDACTED
          </data>
          <key>SmcFlasherResult</key>
          <data>
          REDACTED
          </data>
          <key>SystemAudioVolume</key>
          <data>
          REDACTED
          </data>
          <key>boot-image</key>
          <data>
          REDACTED
          </data>
          <key>efi-apple-payload0</key>
          <data>
          REDACTED
          </data>
          <key>efi-apple-payload0-data</key>
          <data>
          REDACTED
          </data>
          <key>efi-apple-recovery</key>
          <data>
          REDACTED
          </data>
          <key>efi-boot-device</key>
          <data>
          REDACTED
          </data>
          <key>efi-boot-device-data</key>
          <data>
          REDACTED
          </data>
          <key>gpu-policy</key>
          <data>
          REDACTED
          </data>
          <key>prev-lang:kbd</key>
          <data>
          REDACTED
          </data>
          <key>security-mode</key>
          <string>full</string>
</dict>
</plist>
What makes it confusing is that Apple specifies later on the same page (56) that the the term passed to the "security-mode" option should be encased in quotes:
# Secure startup by setting security-mode. Replace $mode-value with # "command" or "full."
     sudo nvram security-mode="$mode-value"
So, assuming that I may have used the wrong version of the command, and thereby not applied the setting correctly, I deleted the "security-mode" key using:
sudo nvram -d security-mode
I then re-applied the setting using:
sudo nvram security-mode=full
because I was confident that, initially, I had used the version with quotes. However, it's made no difference - booting the machine does not require entry of an EFI password.
Oddly, the EFI still prevents the use of keystrokes (ie. "command" mode), so it's definitely functional; I just can't tell it to use "full" mode. Also, I note that "security-mode" is the only key to have a "string" child not a "data" child - is this indicative of a problem?
Any advice?

I've got the same problem as OP but I'm not concerning myself with the physical security of my device--an entirely separate topic altogether.
Essentially, I know that with physical access to a Mac box it's possible to enter single user mode and change the password. I also know there is a way to prevent that ability by changing the default login credentials I just don't remember the phrase of what I'm looking for. I know that I have a pdf on hardening snow leopard which probably has information on how to restrict password changes when in single user mode, but I can't find it.
Here's some stuff that should at least get you started in the right direction:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352
http://lists.apple.com/archives/fed-talk/2011/Feb/msg00022.html
Definitely read:
http://www.nsa.gov/ia/_files/factsheets/macosx_10_6_hardeningtips.pdf
Depending how much time you want to spend on this, there's also a book by Charlie Miller called "Mac Hackers Handbook" that's worth the read--although I have yet to do completely so myself. I did get to see his talk at DefCon 2011 and it was pretty amazing- he developed a technique to essentially make a Mac laptop battery explode from a remote location-- although he never has actually done it for fear of...you know...actually destroying his computer. lol. The next time you hear a MacTard bragging about how OSX is a secure platform, be sure to bring that up. Also distinguish between viruses and malware in general the next time you talk to a genius about mac security- we recently discovered a rootkit on one of the Macs on our network.
Back to the topic--If you're going to go through the effort of securing one aspect of your box, you mind as well keep going with it if you have legitimate reasons to worry about unauthorized access.
Another awesome resource is the Electronic Frontier Foundation:
https://www.eff.org
https://ssd.eff.org/risk
They have guides about nearly everything concerning online anonymity and/or security and they're really good about keeping it 'human readable' - ie understandable to the average user. I'll try to find that pdf and upload it if I do. Those other resources should point you in the right direction- if not explicitly answer your question. Let me know if you find anything too . Help me help you.
<Edited by Host>

Possible NIC hardware problem?

Hi,
I have two sun servers, both solaris 9, that act as firewalls.
I have installed only OS Core. The firewall software is Checkpoint.
These two servers are in cluster (checkpoint xl).
I have many other sun servers configured in this way that work perfectly.
But with these two servers I have a lot of network problems.
For instance, if I issue a nestat -rn I see a lot of entries (about one hundred!!). Do you know what this happens?
My security admins think that there could be a nic hardware problem.
How can I be sure that the network cards are ok?
If I run, on both servers, from ok prompt:
test net
I get
rejecting alloc-mem?
What does this mean?
The servers are:
- SUNFIRE V120
- SUNFIRE V240
Can you help me?
Thanks,
Tarek

I would just like to make the point that even though you may have great stability with a number of systems without applying firmware and OS patches, it does not mean that the system you are currently experiencing these issues with will not benefit from firmware upgrade. Some of the systems may have different component revisions that require firmware upgrade. Some of the features that are included in firmware upgrades can improve asr ( automatic system recovery ), hardware diagnosability, hardware integrity and generally improves chances of discovering and isolating faults. So it would be a good idea to implement a plan to upgrade all your systems with the patest firmware.
I would put this system on alert and make a service call with Sun, asr ( automatic system recovery ) can detect early signs that a component is failing and just clearing the disk from asr should not be the only step taken here, the disk may need to be replaced.
I am currently looking through the internal hand book for some references for you, there should be some good spectrum stuff that I can point you to, I'll update shortly.
One more thing, when you were configuring Solaris for FW-1, there are a number fo kernel parameters to change, misconfiguration of any of these parameters could be a cause for FW-1 to report errors.
On the output from netstat -rn, I wouldn't worry about that too much, if the system is a gateway for a large number of hosts it will probably have an enrty for all networks being visted by hosts on the client side.

How can I pass the efi password on macbook pro?

I change my harddisk, because the othr one have bad sectors. I cannot pass the step with efi password.

I got one 2011 MBA from Craigslist , and it had firmware password on it, i foun out when I try to reinstall the Os, but already few months later after I bought the laptop, so i can not find seller anymore, until i found his post from eBay, it is really quick, only 6 days shipping included, also I was worry abou he is going to change my hardware, so I put mark with permanent marker in the logic board, SSD, battery..., I double check all mark after I got it back, looks like nothing get replace or changed.
It is amazing job,
Just one of my suggestion

Diagnosing Sleep Problems

Okay, I'm completely stumped as to why my ibook using 10.4.4 will not go to sleep on its own (it sleeps fine when I close the lid). I believe this to be a serious problem, because battery life is the most important feature of a laptop in my opinion, and clearly not monitoring its own activity just wastes power.
I've looked around this forum, and I see a few people discussing issues, and some real gurus with some nice tips. I think this can be a good place for people to explain how they trace problems such as this. I have heard reinstall, and I'm sorry if I got a M$ flashback, but I don't think that needs to be an option unless absolutely necessary. Here are the techniques I've used so far:
1. Open Terminal.app and type
$top
The third column tells you the CPU activity, and be a good indicator of any programs that may be preventing your computer from going to sleep. Just type q to get out of top.
2. Open Console.app and look at the system.log (If you don't see this option, just click the "Logs" button at the top). Use Command F to find "sleep", and see what the messages directly above and below it say. See if it's complaining about anything.
Now for me top doesn't indicate any odd software running, as top uses most of the computer cycles being listed. Console.app shows complaints about some sound app, but I only get this when bringing the computer back from sleep after closing the lid. Otherwise, if I let the computer sit for a while on battery, there is nothing in the log even saying that the computer tried to go to sleep.
What are your tips to diagnosing a problem such as this?

This is for a Mac that won't sleep.
First, read things in Apple doc.#25801 on sleep settings.
USB devices and hubs often cause Macs to not sleep or wake quickly from sleep (notably HP printers and scanners). Disconnect all USB except for keyboard and mouse and try. If it sleeps, add one back at a time testing after each one to find the culprit.
If you've set your Mac to recieve faxes, it may not be able to sleep. It might also have a damaged preferences file.
If you use your Mac for faxing, open System Preferences. click Print & Fax, click the Faxing tab, and uncheck the Recieve Faxes On This Computer box.
If that does'nt work or you've never faxed on your Mac, go to Finder/Hard Drive /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration and delete the com.apple.PowerManagement.plist and com..apple.AutoWake.plist files (if your Mac asks, type your admin. password).
If the latter file isn't present in the folder, go to user name(probably your name)/Library/Preferences, delete the com.apple.systemuiserver.plist file, and reboot your Mac.
Hope this helps!
P.S. One member here reported this (Michael Gleason);
"I have had this problem with my IMac G5. It is surprisingly irritating. LaCie's Silverkeeper backup software was the cause. By default it gave itself permission to wake up the computer to check if a backup was needed. Do you have this or a similar program installed which has scheduled activities including wake-up permissions as an option?"
Dave Hamilton provided this link, xlr8yourmac.com, to a member, which addresses failure of deep sleep with some users that updated and added new FireWire and USB cards.
Cheers!
DALE

Remove lost EFI password

Hi
A couple of months ago I chose a firmware password for my MacBook Pro (early 2011), so thiefs can't run software from external devices.
Now, when I try to start Windows 7 by using the Bootcamp-partition, I have to give the EFI password. And yes: I've lost it.
I've read that the RAM-removal solution doesn't work on newer Macs (2011 and later), just like the Calculator-method.
Is the only solution go to the nearest Apple Store (200 km from me...)? A near Apple Premium Reseller charges 200 euros for this (for them) easy to solve problem... Does the Apple Store (Amsterdam) charge that too?

I forgot to say I already tried calling Apple. They connected me with a technical guy, but he said I have to pay 50 euro for AppleCare for solving one problem.
Moreover: I called to the Apple Store Amsterdam too. A guy who didn't sound friendly said that the Apple Store "probably charge the same amount as the Premium Reseller near me." I hope he lied...

Reset NVRAM while EFI Password enabled

I have a macbook pro (late 2011).
And, I need to reset the NVRAM / SMC.
However, I have my EFI Password enabled.
And, I DO remember my EFI Password (a lot of people in Google is searching how to reset it, anyway) !!!
When I do the following -
     1. Restart
     2. Press & hold CMD+ALT+P+R while booting, it prompts the EFI Pawword
     3. I provide the password
     4. Immediately after entering EFI Password, I press & hold CMD+ALT+P+R
     5. It loads OS X Utilities, does not restart (as explained in Apple's page, the system should restart)
I have reasons to believe that the NVRAM is not reset
By the way I do not want to get rid of EFI password.
Any luck ?

Thanks DS Store.
I meant to say NVRAM (of Intel Macs), not PRAM (PPC Macs).
The first article is good, however, I am able to find little help for my problem.
It covers PRAM, and till OS X 10.5.X. Mine is 10.8.X.
I have browsed Google, and found that I need to visit Apple Care for EFI Password reset (or, use the logic board reset).
Any alternative ? This is bad to forbod someone from resetting NVRAM / SMC if EFI Password is enabled :-(

EFI PASSWORD RESET

I got struck into a big problem, pleasehelp me out!!
My macbook air is locked by somebody, unable to unlock its EFI.
please help

You have to take the computer to the Apple store to have the EFI password removed.
Best.

My iphone 5s vibrates so loudly but my friend's iphone 5s vibrates just fine. can anyone tell me if it is any hardware problem?

i have bought an iphone 5s few days ago and i noticed that vibration of my iphone is different from other iphones. my iphone's vibration is so loud and noisy it is kind of rattly noise whenever i recieve a call or a text message, So i checked one of my friend's iphone 5s and it vibrates just fine. can anyone tell me why is it so? is it a hardware problem or what?

Do you have the same vibrate settings as your friend?
You can check this by going to Settings > Sounds > Text Tone

For the second time (I've been to the Genius Bar once already) my WiFi isn't working on my iPhone 4S. This is really infuriating and costly!!! I see others have the same issues. Can't Apple do anything about this? It's obviously a hardware problem!

For the second time (I've been to the Genius Bar already once with this) my Wifi isn't working. They gave me a new iphone last time, but the new one has the same issue as the old one, I'm guessing. I've tried resetting the network but that doesn't work.
I see others have this issue too.
If this is a hardware problem why doesn't Apple fix it? Or do I just have to wait another year for another upgrade?
Currently it's not costing me anything - yet - because I've got the Apple Warranty but this is totally frustating!!! I bought the original phone (which has been replaced in July 2012. The new phone (without working Wifi) is a month old.
Will try Restore via ITunes before (I will invariably) have to return to the Genius Bar for another Iphone 4S unless someone has an ingenius solution here?..?

sematson wrote:
If this is a hardware problem why doesn't Apple fix it? Or do I just have to wait another year for another upgrade?
For what reason, other than making yourself look foolish, would you ask questions that we users could not possibly answer as we're NOT Apple?
Basics from the manual are restart, reset, restore from backup, restore as NEW. Nothing more "ingenius" to suggest than these steps that Apple has outlined in the manual. If these steps don't work, then go back to the Apple store.

My iPhone 5 dies at 20-24% it doesn't go all the way to 0%. Will apple replace my phone or fix my phone for free since its hardware problem and I have no money. This is my second iphone 5 replacement.

My iPhone 5 dies at 20-24% it doesn't go all the way to 0%. Will apple replace my phone or fix my phone for free since its hardware problem and I have no money. This is my second iphone 5 replacement. I have no apple care so I'm worried. My phone has NEVER touched water! I only get 1/5 of battery use. I've also spent 30$ at the apple store on screen protectors for nothing! I really don't have 220$ nor 50$ I am on a strict budget. I believe I have to pay 220 not 50 ford a phone replacement for accidental damage. I don't know what category this falls under. I really need a new phone or battery. HELP! Will I have to pay? Also my screen lighting is all topsy-tervy every I put my screen on highest it won't work I have to wait about a minute? Forgot to mention that my apps exit out by themselves all the time when Im using them.

So, have you tried a reset? Restore from backup? Restore as new? You seem to have a few problems but do not mention any action taken to resolve them. What have screen protectors to do with anything?

When I open Mail the screen flickers random blue and gray appeared on the screen. I took a video too. Will that happen again? Is it hardware problem? This ipad2 32GB was replaced yesterday and I think it is refurbished. Are replace product refurbished?

I got my ipad2 replaced yesterday. And this new ipad started giving me problem by crashing aps. Then I restored the ipad twice but the problem was still there. I called apple and they fixed it by doing Reset All Settings. But now I have this weird problem. When I open Mail the screen flickers random blue and gray appeared on the screen. I took a video too. Will that happen again? Is it hardware problem? This ipad2 32GB was replaced yesterday and I think it is refurbished. Are replace product refurbished?

There is no way for anyone here to know if your replacement iPad is a refurbished unit. Per Apple's replacement policy, replacements can be refurbished units. If you feel the unit is not working correctly, take it back, let them check it out and if found defective, they will replace that unit.

I need to replace my iPhone 4S due to a hardware problem. Will I be offered to upgrade to iPhone 5 for an extra fee?

Hey everyone. I have an iPhone 4S that needs replacing due to obvious hardware issues (shuts down randomly on its own). I have shown the panic.plist reports that it generates on another forum and they have confirmed the kernel and hardware problem.
Since replacing it is the only way to go for me, I was wondering whether Apple still offers the option to upgrade to the next model when going to replace a phone with warranty. What I mean is, if I go to an Apple Store and ask to replace my handset for a new one (with my warranty/receipt) will I be offered to upgrade to an iPhone 5 for an additional fee? Can I ask for this option?
Thanks!

FedeMJ wrote:
...I was wondering whether Apple still offers the option to upgrade to the next model when going to replace a phone with warranty....
Apple has NEVER offered this as an option.

ZEN Vision 'Hardware Problem' error mess

Model No: ZEN Vision - PMC-HD0002
Error occurred as a result of a firmware upgrade.I can access 'recovery mode' &?have attempted several further firmware upgrades.It loads, rebuilds, reboots, starts then the 'hardware problem' error message returns.The device is currently stating, in 'recovery mode', that the following firmware is loaded v.42.0_0.0.9.I have removed all data (format all), run 'clean up' & 'rebooted' then upgraded firmware but with no success.?Any ideas will be greatly received & appreciated.

hi.
i have exactly the same problem.
did you manage to find any answer?
how did you access the recovery mode?
your response will be greatly appreciated.
thanks!

Problem with my iPod touch: Frozen screen, unable to access anything as slider does not work, will not accept a full restore. Apple Store advised that it is a 'hardware' problem and I could trade-in!

I am a relatively 'new' user. Touch was a gift, I used it in a simplistic way - listened to music took a few photos, added a few calendar events. After a year I then decided to be more proactive and found a few free apps (Solitaire) - then had a the frozen screen problem which I though was connected to low battery, but it wasn't. I recharged it, still could not access, then tried a full restore and got an error message. Took it to a Genius Bar and was told it was a hardware problem and as it is out of warranty I could trade in or just buy a different product. As this is my first Apple product is this usual? Do Apple products have a very short shelf life - I anticipated that it would last me longer than a year! Has anyone else had this problem? Was it able to be resolved? Or is it worth trying to get it repaired - and if so who can do it - Apple Store did not offer that to me as an option?

Sure sounds like a hardware problem. It happens some times. The iPod is just an electrical device.
Apple will exchange it for a refurbished one for this price. Apple does not repair your iPod.
Apple - Support - iPod - Repair pricing
A third-party place like the following maybe less expensive. Google for more places.
iPhone Repair, Service & Parts: iPod Touch, iPad, MacBook Pro Screens

EFI Password to Diagnose Hardware Problem

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