Firmware Password Lock, HD Mapping Concern

I'm using Firmware Password Lock for a little added security in the event my MacBook Pro is stolen. I would like to know if using this password lock feature will detrimentally effect the drive controllers ability to automatically map out bad blocks on the disc. Is the drives SMART routine compromised by using Firmware Password Lock? Clarity on this issue would assist me in understanding how best to use the Firmware Password Lock. Please help.

no, firmware password has nothing to do with this. it does not affect hard drives in any way. it locks the firmware not hard drives an is only ever involved during the boot process. and btw, you should know that a firmware password won't protect you much in case your computer is stolen. firmware protection can be easily circumvented given unrestricted access to the computer. google it up to see how. if you are worried about that sort of thing use encryption.

Similar Messages

Firmware password lock

I have a PowerBook G4 that when booting holding the option key to boot to startup manager, show a open firmware password lock.
I am not the original owner of the Mac so I do not have any of the passwords.
I have tried booting the Mac to the OSX CD with no luck. I can startup the Mac in to Open Firmware command line. But there if I type a commend, it then asks for the password that I do not have.
How can Open Firmware password be rest so that I can gain access to the HD and boot the PowerBook G4 up get and get the data off the drive?

Jade
Use a cross-head screwdriver (No 0) to release the four screws retaining the RAM bay cover plate. Once you release the cover plate you can remove the RAM Modules. Make sure you ground yourself first or if you have an ESD wrist strip handy, use it. If there are two RAM Modules remove the one in the top slot and put it to one side. Nove move the second module from the bottom slot into the top slot. If there is only one RAM Module move it out of whatever slot it is in and into the other slot. Now reboot the laptop and reset the Parameter RAM or PRAM (pronounced PeeRAM). To reset the PRAM depress the commandalt+pr keys simultaneously. After the initial boot chime on restart you should hear another one after a few seconds. Release the keys and let the laptop boot normally.
If you've done everything correctly you should have successfully cleared the firmware password.
Once you've verified there's no firmware password any more, shut down the laptop and either insert the removed Module (assuming two modules) and secure the RAM Bay cover plate, or simply secure the RAM Bay cover plate if there was only one RAM Module to begin with.
HTH?
Tony

Firmware Password Lock, Managing Firmware Updates

I want to increase my data security beyond account password protection. (Ran FileVault previously but encountered a disaster - user account information became corrupted somehow. Password would be accepted but login denied with an error message but no code. Ouch.)
Firmware Password Lock looks to me like a good bump up in security (I know it's not in the same league as FileVault from experience). I'm thinking I'll have to settle for this less secure option.
Please help me to understand possible pitfalls beyond the obvious "retain the password".
Will Firmware updates continue to come in normally with Software Update? Please help. Tony

nublu wrote:
Thank you for helping with my security question. I have googled a bit. I have found examples of physical damage to computers (new mother board needed) because of failure to get firmware update before upgrading OS. In that case it was upgrade to OS10 from OS9. This doesn't directly apply to my case, never the less, it does cause me to pause.
Is it correct that if firmware password lock is enabled, firmware updates will load and install without unlocking firmware.
I'm not sure about this. a firmware update will always come with instructions and if the firmware password needs to be turned off to install it, this will be explicitly mentioned. as turning the firmware password off is very easy and firmware upgrades are very rare, this should not be a consideration IMO.
(sorry for asking again - just trying to be sure. Could not find a specific answer to this in apple support info.)
I did find this recommendation to check for and load firmware updates outside of Software Update.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237
Please tell me if this is recommended.
there is absolutely nothing wrong with downloading an update manually.

Stuck on startup screen; locked firmware (password) won't allow CD Boot...?

When the system began to act strange, I tried to install with a 10.5 Update/Install Disk. When the software wouldn't install ("You can not install this software on this disk."), I restarted the drive, but nothing happened. I ran Disk Utility from the 10.5 CD. I repaird the HD, and restored the permissions by pressing the "Repair", and "Repair Permissions" buttons. When it indicated that the hard drive was "OK", (using the 10.5 Install Disk,) I set the firmware password locking it to keep others from starting with a CD.
Now, the startup screen will not display any users; the blue "load" indicator will not complete, and appears to be stuck. First I tried holding down the "C" key, but it wouldn't start from the CD. Then I tried re-setting the PBG4 to factory settings by holding down the option, command, "P" and "R" keys, but it won't make the second "reboot" sound, and continues with the blue "start-up" indicator. (I'm in real trouble, because I'm supposed to have my College Papers ready by this weekend, but they're stuck on my computer.) Does anyone have any sollutions??? Pleeeeeease help; I'l l b u y y o u s o m e c a n d y!

Welcome to the Apple discussions.
Usually you get a 'can't install on this disk' when you try to use a gray-faced system disk from another system, like MacBook or iMac or other non-Powerbook. Those disks are locked to the systems they are distributed with. The only way to upgrade to 10.5 is with a black-faced retail disk.
Have you tried starting the system holding the alt/option key down? That should prompt you for the firmware password, then give give you a choice of device to boot from.
You didn't indicate why your system was beginning to act strange, so don't know if that has any bearing on your current start issues.

How much does it cost to unlock a Firmware password protected computer?

I'm just curious, so how much does it cost to repair and unlock a firmware password locked Mac?
Because they say: Only Apple retail stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers can unlock these computers protected by a firmware password.
How much does it cost?

I'd expect the price varies, and might even be free with good ID and clear ownership.
As for the price, call Apple or the local Apple Authorized Service Provider, and ask them.
Or bring your photo ID and your Mac into the shop, and ask directly.

I have never set a firmware password on my macbook pro, but when I hold down option to boot from a different drive, I get a lock, and have no idea what the password is..?

I have never set a firmware password on mymacbook pro, but when I hold down option to boot from a different drive, I geta lock, and have no idea what the password is, i am the first owner of my mac so its impossible that someone else has set the password, i have only noticed this becuae i made a bootcamp partition and installed windows onto the machine, after the installation... i shut down the comptuer and continued to use os x, days later i tried to boot into the boot camp partition again by holding down the option key on boot, but i got a window asking me for a firmware password that i have no idea of! please help me!
will

Hi macbookprowilliam, I have the SAME problem, that grey lock just appeared trolling me. I dunno the password and I wan't to sell this macbook! I need the password. Maybe it's a new malware! I don't even know how to set a firmware password and I am the only user on this computer too! I have a thread about that too: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3926399?start=0&tstart=0
So, did you fix it or got around it? Please reply! I am desperate.
Thank you

Known freshly set firmware password, not being accepted on new MBP with retina. Locked out of bootmenu.

Hello,
I have a MBP 15" with retina display and 16GB of RAM.
I bought it end August/early september and it has worked great so far, really happy with it.
After encountering some people that have had theirs stolen, i figured it was a good idea to enter a firmware password so that people can't use external drives to boot up from.
I just rebooted holding the alt key, clicked utilities -> firmware password and I set myself a password. It is one word, starts with a capital letter and has 2 numbers incorporated in it.
I then immediately rebooted and held alt again to test it. I enter the exact same password (100% sure) and for some reason it just deletes the entered password when i click enter/the ok arrow and it does nothing.......
Please tell me this is a known MAC problem, I am 100% sure i'm not going mad, but this kind of problem is annoying me! I have a dualboot windows 7 partition that I would like to continue to use without working virtually from within MAC OS X.
Thanks, any ideas appreciated!
Best regards,
Nick

Sigh i found it ....
Apple you could have mentioned that you enter it as QWERTY instead of AZERTY -_- My letters were coincidently all the same, however the numbers need shift pressed in the latter which they don't in the former.
Oh well, Back to enjoying my wonderful machine now
Bye and sorry for the unnecessary read! Hope it helps some with the same problem.
Greets

Clear firmware password

I have a Macbook Pro, i5 2.4ghz, 8gb ram, 500gb hd, late 2011 running Yosimite 10.10.2. It functions normally allowing browsing internet, opening apps, etc. Bought it from someone on craigslist who said their parents set the firmware password and forgot what it was. The big problem is I need this firmware password to be cleared in order to access recovery mode to restore the macbook back to factory defaults. Because it's an old macbook .... the previous owner doesn't have the receipt or boxes for it. My only proof of ownership is through emails and text messages from the previous owner. I paid for it and didn't know there was a firmware password until I tried to access recovery mode. Hopefully anyone here can answer my question. I have searched all over the internet and turned out that this version of macbook will need Apple service to clear the password. I would like to know the average cost for apple to fix this? If it cost too much to bring in for service then I might have to live with it being a basic macbook or might end up giving it to my mom instead.

I'll believe it's stolen if apple service confirms this. I really can't assume every macbook is stolen, because I had bought 3 old ones in the past and all seems legit because I brought them in for service and were returned to me with no questions. So far so good *knock on wood*. This last one I hope is not the case of being a hot one or else I'll have to come up with a check list next time before buying another one from someone on craigslist. I didn't think anything of this last one because it's old. The latest macbooks are the one I'm more concern with being stolen especially serial # removed from original box, locked down by icloud, claimed to purchase last month but no longer has receipt/box, etc. Hopefully someone can answer my question regarding average cost to clear the firmware password by apple service.

MBP Retina Firmware Password Reset

I purchased a MBP Retina 13.3/2.5/8GB/128GB back in Nov 2012 and all was fine.
Last year I installed Orbicule Undercover software, in case it got lost & stolen and it recommended I set a Firmware Password, which I did and now I have forgotten that password.
I want to reset my MBP but without the firmware password I am completely locked out at the reset screen.
It works fine day to day, and I know the password to lock & unlock features or settings, etc.
It is running the latest operating System, Yosemite. I have had no trouble upgrading the OS System as they have been made available.
Many post say to take the MBP to an Apple Store so they can reset it with a special CD/DVD, only my MBP has no optical drive.
Clearly it is out of warranty coverage, as I did not purchase the extended warranty.
I don't have the skills to take the thing apart, my past history with old window based laptops is not good! (Although I did have more parts left over when I was done)
Does anyone know if I schedule a Genius Bar appointment, if they can help me? And the approximate cost they would charge me??
I have my original receipt & packaging to show that it is mine, and not a stolen unit.
Any Advice or information on the above questions will be gratefully received!!!

You probably bought a Mac that was stolen. I sure hope a 2011 model, whether the Early version or the Late version (There was no MID 2011 model), would certainly sell for much more than $515. That should of been your first clue there was something up with this noteboook and the seller.
Apple can remove the firmware password but only for the rightful owner.
The best thing you can do is take back into an Apple store and ask them to look up the serial number to find the original owner, if possible, and see if there is any contact info for them and return that system to them. Yes you would still be out the $515 but you would be doinig the right thing. Do the right thing and the right thing happen.

Resetting a firmware password when never put a firmware password on Macboo Pro OSX Lion

I have never put a firmware password on my Macbook Pro OSX Lion (2012). But now when I am trying to reset it, its asking for a password how can I reset this or remove it.

Hi macbookprowilliam, I have the SAME problem, that grey lock just appeared trolling me. I dunno the password and I wan't to sell this macbook! I need the password. Maybe it's a new malware! I don't even know how to set a firmware password and I am the only user on this computer too! I have a thread about that too: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3926399?start=0&tstart=0
So, did you fix it or got around it? Please reply! I am desperate.
Thank you

Remove Firmware password on MBP 2010

A password entry space and Firmware (pad lock) icon appears on the screen when trying to perform a clean usb os x lion 7 install pressing keys- (command + R). I don't remember ever setting up a firmware password. Question is how do I remove it?

Did you buy this Mac new back in 2010? If not then it was set by the previous owner.
Apple is the only source of help. Make an appointment with a G-Bar.

Missing firmware password, can't access boot options

Hi,
I own a Macbook Pro (13") which I bought from Ebay a few months ago. I recently changed my password to my administrator account, but I cannot remember it. I know of several bypasses to this, but as I attempt each one, they all seem blocked by a firmware password. I have tried contacting the original owner, but he does not remember what he set that as. I'm locked out of all boot options and my administrator account, I'm typing this now from the guest account which I enabled a while ago. Solutions?

If your MacBook is one of the following models there is no way to circumvent a firmware password, outside of a trip to the Apple Store:
MacBook Air (Late 2010) and later, MacBook Pro (Early 2011) and later, iMac (Mid 2011) and later, Mac mini (Mid 2011): Recovering a lost firmware password
Resolution
Only Apple retail stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers can unlock these computers protected by a firmware password.

How can I reset the open firmware password?

I wanted to installed Mac OS X Lion from scratch on my newly purchased MBP 15,4"
I put the installESD.dmg on a USB pendrive, then I boot on it. I used Disk utility to erase en encrypte my drive, and at the same time I set the Open firmware password.
I launched the installation process, after a while the computer reboot but I got an error:
there was a problem installing mac os x try reinstalling
I google this error and found many people who solved this issue by erasing the PRAM using the shortcut: cmd + opt + P + R. I'm asked to enter the password which I did but it's still keeping asking for the password so I guess its wrong which is weird cause I typed it in few minutes ago, so I might have done twice a typing error or I don't know.
So my question is how can I reset this password to be able to install my OS? (I cannot access to any OS cause the installation process failed).
Thnak you for your help

Yes I did use the disk utility to restore the dmg on my USB drive. The USB drive is perfectly fine, I can boot on it without any problem, well before setting this open firmware password I could do it.
Now the situation is:
No system installed,
Lock with a password
I have the disk to install SL but I cannot boot on the DVD because it is asking me for this password.

Open Firmware Password..oops

Today I decided to see if the startup disc on my external HD was working properly. I went to System Preferences and clicked over to the Maxtor as my prefered choice. I did not click the lock at the bottom. I then clicked Restart, everything on the desktop dismounted and the screen went dark and then came back up with the gray screen with the spinning wheel....and stayed there.
I noticed that there was a circle with a line through it and then I noticed that my iPod was still connected, it was dismounted and charging.
I shut off the power, to the iMac, disconnected the iPod and turned the power back on, and the gray screen with flashing folder with a question mark appeared.
I went to the MacBook and did a search in the discussions and the only thing I could find out was that I needed to boot from the install discs, hence the oops.
I have Undercover installed, and part of their setup is to enable the Open Firmware Password.
How can I get my iMac up and running if I can't use the install discs or target disc mode?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

ddougYo, I have the Orbicule software on 5 MAcs (it nearly got one that was stolen back for me too) and also had its predecessor, Lapcop which also used the Open Firmware Password utility.
You are not going to be able to boot up until you can get through the Firmware Password Utility and there are only two ways: the password itself, or the method that Baltwo has suggested. If the password is not working then you have possibly not entered it correctly.
If, for some strange (unidentified) reason that is not the case, then Baltwo's solution is all you have left. Have a look at the manual: getting the iMac's RAM out should not be hard. Do you have one or two modules? If one, try putting it in the other slot.

Resetting Firmware Password on Macbook

Hi Guys, Im new to Apple Forums as well as Apple Products.
My Device Specs:
-Macbook Air (13-inch, Early 2014)
-Processor 1.4 GHz Intel Core i5
-Software OS X 10.9.4 (13E28)
So here's my problem. This MacBook was bought from my school by a company named Sapura. And much later I realised that when I was trying to boot into the OS X Utilities by pressing (Command+R) keys, it just ran into a dead grey lock which after much research, I found out it was a Firmware Password which, I guess, is most probably set by the company or my school. I know that they won't let us have the password so I am asking if you guys know a solution to this problem?

Sorry if im a bother but where can i find the serial no.? I know it's somewhere in the Air's box right?
UPDATE: ok wait nvm... I found it under about this mac! thx @SP Forsythe! will put this solved my question! that link was a great help! im a starter on Macs and now I love it! thxx for your help!

Firmware Password Lock, HD Mapping Concern

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