Ibook g4 firmware password

i havent used my ibook in many years . as since the computer has been put up for a while.. was going to give as gift to grand adughter but i have a firmware password on it and have forgotten it .. as its been years since it has been used.. have the original disc but cannot even boot up with it as firmware password needed. is thaere a way to bypass password . and reload osx ? help

Nope. That's the point of the Open Firmware Password. To prevent anyone from access. If you go to an Apple service center they should be able to help you.

Similar Messages

  • Open Firmware password

    I can't seem to reset this password. I've tried taking the battery out and hitting the reset button.
    Anyone have any ideas?

    Setting up firmware password protection in Mac OS X
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352
    iBook - Open Firmware Password Reset
    http://notepad.bobkmertz.com/2006/11/ibook-open-firmware-password-reset.html
    [Open Firmware Password Protection|http://www.securemac.com/openfirmwarepasswordprotection.php] - also how to disable and retrieve OF password

  • Any one know how to reset the open firmware password?

    iBook G4. 1.33ghz. 1GB RAM.30 or 40GB HDD. Running 10.5.8
    I got this from a friend, who got it from a friend. And its acting funny. It works. But a lot of options are missing from the System Preferences pane. And another friend said to reset the NVRAM and all the setting in the open firmware. Only no one seems to know the open firmware password. And I can't seem to find how you'd reset all the setting in the open firmware. I'm working on locating the installation disks for this iBook. But will that even help me with this resetting open firmware business?

    I did a google search and here is one link that might have some helpful information -
    http://www.macforensicslab.com/ProductsAndServices/index.php?mainpage=document_general_info&productsid=69&zenid=74f4076fb96074db45dc274f7de86bc6

  • Ibook G4 Administrator Password

    I just recieved an ibook G4 from an online auction I bought, and a copy of OS X Tiger. I am new to Mac's ( this is my first one ) and when I insert the disk into the DVD drive, it loads up correctly, and then says it needs to restart to install the OS. When I click on restart, it says it needs an Administrator Password to continue. The username it displays is user, and I have no clue what the password is. Is there any way to reset it, or to bypass it? I have no idea what OS is currently on the machine, and I have no idea how to check it. I am good with a PC, and I am tired of spyware and virus's, so if anyone has anything they can advise, I would really appreciate it, and I am all ears

    I think that Brody is only referring to the normal administrative password. In the event that you ARE dealing with an open firmware password, and his methods don't work, here is something you can try... it's a bit of work, because open firmware password is meant to make the computer extra secure.
    Note: I take no responsibility if anything goes wrong if you use the methods listed below. They should only be used as a last resort if you can't get the password from the previous owner... and make sure you try Brody's suggestion first.
    This is copied from: http://www.computerworld.com/printthis/2005/0,4814,103889,00.html
    ******************Bypassing Open Firmware Security
    If you forget the Open Firmware password for a computer, or if someone else sets one before you do, you can reset the Open Firmware settings to their defaults (no password and the none security mode). If other Open Firmware settings have been changed, this might reset them as well. As I said, it's a cumbersome process, so you'll want to avoid having to do it.
    First, open the computer and either remove or install RAM. What you need to do is change the amount of RAM that's installed in the computer, so simply moving modules around won't do the trick. Reboot the computer with the changed amount of RAM and zap the PRAM. (Changing the installed RAM allows you to use the command-option-P-R key combination to zap the PRAM, regardless of the Open Firmware security mode, which removes the password.) Then boot into the Open Firmware prompt and use the set-defaults command. This should reset all Open Firmware configurations to the default settings. Use the reset-all command to reboot with the new settings, after which you can set a new password and security mode (either directly through the Open Firmware prompt or using another tool). Restore the original amount of RAM in the computer.
    The ability to get around Open Firmware like this is a key reason to ensure that computers are physically secure. This process won't work unless you can get to the RAM inside the computer.
    Unfortunately, it's possible to extract the Open Firmware password through other methods: mSec developed a Mac OS 9 tool called FWSucker after the introduction of Open Firmware simply to prove that it could be done. Apple restricted the use of the tool with Mac OS 9.2, and to date there is no corresponding Mac OS X native tool. However, it''s possible to extract the Open Firmware password from the nvRAM chip that holds all Open Firmware data on a Mac's motherboard. With that in mind, you should use managed preferences, Mac Manager settings or Mac OS X local user-access settings to restrict users to a list of known applications. That would help prevent users from running such a tool, should one be developed.
    Ryan Faas is the network administrator and offers consulting services specializing in Mac and cross-platform network solutions for small businesses and education institutions. He is co-author of Troubleshooting, Maintaining and Repairing Macs (Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 2000) and of the forthcoming Essential Mac OS X Server Administration (O'Reilly, 2005). He can be reached at [email protected].*********************
    By the way, I would recommend against using FWsucker, and it probably wouldn't work anyway since Apple supposedly "blocks" it from running now.

  • Has Anything Replaced Open Firmware Password?

    Has Anything Replaced Open Firmware Password?

    It's a loaded question you're using in someways. If what you mean is, "Is there an Open Firmware equivalent for Intel-based Macs?" then the answer is yes. See the following Apple KB article for full details: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1352
    ======
    YES, that's what I meant. I have a late 2010 MacBook Pro w/ Core-i7 CPU
    I read the article and I find confusing info. In one paragraph it says Intel Macs use EFI and in the following paragraph It says "Any Intel Based Mac" can use Open Firmware*
    "All Intel-based Macintosh computers support firmware password protection.
    The following Apple computers can use the Open Firmware Password application:
    ▪ iMac (Slot Loading) and later models of G3 iMac
    ▪ iMac (Flat Panel) and later models of G4 iMac
    ▪ iMac G5 and later models of G5 iMac
    ▪ iBook - all models, both G3- and G4-based
    ▪ eMac - all models
    ▪ PowerBook (FireWire)
    ▪ PowerBook G4 and later models of G4 PowerBook
    ▪ Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) and later models of G4 Power Mac
    ▪ Power Mac G4 Cube - all models
    ▪ Power Mac G5 and later models of G5 Power Mac
    ▪ Any Intel-based Mac*
    ▪ MacBook Air: see MacBook Air: Recovering a lost EFI firmware password"
    So do I use Open Firmware or EFI?
    "Apple make up your mind please..."

  • Firmware Password Not Changing

    I have a iBook G4, from a school who had a surplus. But it had firmware on it, and although I was able to get rid of the firmware protection by physical access, I can't change the password. Every time I launch the program, and try to set the password it reverts back to the old password (I know this because my set password doesn't work) and I have to open the computer up again to get rid of the password.
    I also tried to just disable the open firmware password before opening the computer up from the admin account and it won't even turn off!
    How can I get the firmware password to what I want?

    I fixed by resetting the firmware then going into firmware then typing...
    password
    (I entered the password here)
    (I verified the password here)
    setenv security-mode full
    shut-down
    And it saved my password! I won't be using the GUI interface from Apple anymore.

  • Turn off open firmware password without OS CD, or transfer account?

    I've got the open firmware password turned on on the iBook I use for work. The laptop's CD drive recently stopped working, and I don't have access to an external CD drive. I need to bring the laptop in for repair, but want to move my account onto another iBook while this one is in the shop. Because the open firmware password is on, I can't use the migration application. Because the CD drive doesn't work, I can't use the OS CD to turn off the password.
    I do have access to an external hard drive. It would be a pain to have to reset everything on a new computer, so I'd greatly prefer to be able to transfer my account instead of just my files. Is there any way to turn off the firmware password or transfer my account using the external drive?
    Many thanks!

    Change your RAM configuration (add or remove a RAM module). Then reset the PRAM by holding down command, option, P, and R. Keep them down until you hear the third startup bong. That will defeat the firmware password protection.
    But if I read your original post correctly, you shouldn't need to bypass the OF password. Just boot up your iBook, plug the external drive into your iBook, and copy your files over. You can even use a program like SuperDuper to make an exact copy of your internal drive to your external one.

  • Open Firmware Password for Intel MAcs

    I had used this application and password protection for my G4's. Does it work for Intel Macs?
    20" iMac Core Duo 2/ 14 iBook [1 ghz]   Mac OS X (10.4.7)  

    Yes,this support article says that Intel does support open firmware password and gives the steps to set.
    -mj
    [email protected]
    Message was edited by: macjack

  • 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.

  • How do I install an open firmware password on my 10.6.8 OSX Macbook?

    I tried to download the lastes version of open firmware, but it is incompatible with the version of my computer. Don't tell me to use a disk I got with my computer, that would be for a Macbook Pro, not a Macbook, which is what I have. Please tell me if you can find a link to a firmware password program for Mac OSX 10.6.8, or if you have another way of installing a firmware password. Thanks.

    You have other problems on your computer, then, or not reading carefully. Note this:
    "For Mac OS X v10.5.x, start from the Leopard Install DVD and choose Firmware Password Utility from the Utilities menu, then skip to step 5."
    For Snow Leopard if the above does not work, then look for the Firmware Password utility on your Snow Leopard DVD.
    Oh, and please don't click on the Helpful or Solved buttons for your own posts. 

  • Can't get past login screen and accidentally added a Firmware password?

    Hi, please can you help me.
    Up until about a week ago my Mac Mini Server (running snow leopard server) was working fine, but when I re-started my user name and password stopped working (the panel shakes).
    I booted the computer from the Install DVD and changed the password. When I restarted this still didn't work. I booted again from the DVD and changed the password again, it came up with a warning about the password also needed to be changed elsewhere.
    I had a look round the utilities on the DVD and saw the Change Firmware Password (I know now this was a massive mistake!), so I changed that and clicked add!
    Now I cant boot from the DVD as all the Keyboard start-up commands don't work.
    I have tried starting up, holding down Command-Option-O-F. This didn't work.
    Checked to make sure the Keyboard is working.
    I also tried removing all RAM and holding down Command-Option-P-R and waited for this to chime 3 times.
    I cant find any thing else to try on the internet.
    I think to solve my initial problem, I need to Boot from the DVD and change the ROOT password, somehow login as the ROOT account then change the passwords. Is this right?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated,
    Thanks,
    Regards Andy

    If you can remember the firmware password you set:
    Boot the computer with the install DVD in the drive (I'm assuming you have the external optical drive, based on your previous post) and hold down the OPTION key. You will see a screen with an input field. Enter your firmware password here, then press enter. The boot manager will load, showing you the internal HD as well as the DVD. Boot from the DVD, and go back into the firmware password utility. Enter the password in the old password field, and leave the new password fields blank. This will remove the firmware password.
    If you *can not* remember the firmware password you set:
    Open up the computer and remove only 1 of the 2 installed RAM sticks. Boot the computer holding COMMAND + OPTION + P +R and wait for 3 startup chimes. This will remove the firmware password.
    Once you have removed the password and are booted to the DVD:
    See this article: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1274
    You want the section labeled "Resetting the original administrator account password."
    Message was edited by: John.Kitzmiller to fix spelling mistakes.

  • How do I set the firmware password on 10.7

    Hi
    How do I set the firmware password in Mac OS 10.7.2 (MacBook Pro) ?
    The Apple instructions only seem to go up to 10.5.x
    Thanks

    Firmware password is not much use as any thief can reset it by pulling out the memory chips and putting them back in again.
    The only real way to secure your data 99% is to use FileVault 2.

  • Firmware password since Mavericks update

    So tonight I was having a couple of system issues, so I went to view my options in recovery.. until I was met with this:
    Ever since I did an update for Mavericks (not the latest one, before that) I noticed that the odd few settings had been changed, so right now I'm questioning that. I also remember that after the update I was asked to enter my password (on a similar screen) before it got to the login screen.
    All in all I never remember setting a firmware password.. I have had this machine from new ever since November last year.

    producerlawson,
    refer to this Apple document for your next step.

  • Boot Process with active EFI Firmware Password

    I have a MacMini with Linux installed (for an embedded application) on the internal hard drive, and Mac OS X 10.5.6 available on an external Firewire / USB drive. The machine is a 1.83 MHz 2008 production unit with EFI version MM21.009A.B00 firmware installed (no later update is reported as available via the OS X Software Updater).
    The system normally boots from the internal (Linux) disk without user interaction when first powered up.
    In order to restrict users from starting the system from alternate devices, we activated an EFI firmware password. After doing so with the Open Firmware Password application on the OS X installer DVD (booted with option key and selecting the DVD icon, or with the C-key held), the system no longer automatically boots either of the two available hard disk devices. Rather a flashing file folder icon with question mark appears when the machine is powered up without any user interaction.
    With the EFI password active, it is necessary to hold the option key down, enter the password, and then select the desired disk device icon (either internal Linux or external OS X device) in order to boot the system. It appears that the system can no longer automatically select a boot device when started up, even if only one is available. This requires that every user of the embedded system must know the EFI password in order to start the system. This seriously compromises the protections that a user would expect to achieve by using the EFI password capability.
    Is this the expected performance of the firmware after the EFI password has been activated, or is this performance the result of a design flaw in the EFI code when the firmware password is active (i.e. is this a"feature" or a bug)?

    Welcome to Apple Discussions!
    The EFI firmware protection is there for people who work in environments where their machines must be secure from intruders, and secures information in event the machine gets stolen. If that sort of protection is too much for your needs, just setup your security and account preferences to log out when energy saver and/or screen saver is activated, and automatic log on is disabled. That's pretty good unless a person who steals your machine or has access to your machine has the original discs which came with the Mac, or newer retail operating system (up to the limits of the machine's hardware). So consider how much security you need, and you can ask the system to be that secure.

  • Turn Off Firmware Password will not accept correct password

    Hello communtiy,
    A while back I set a Firmware Password on my 15" MacBook Pro Early 2011 and have used it with great success. Now however I wish to turn it off and am having difficulties doing so. The problem is as follows:
    I restart my Mac, press and hold ALT to enter the drive selection screen, enter the Firmware Password, and select the Recovery Partition.
    Once the screen starts I select utilities -> Firmware Password Utilities and select "Turn Off Firmware Password..." I am promted to enter my old password, which I do, at which point I get the red error message: "The password is incorrect."
    As you can see the password should be correct as I entered the ultility window using it, but it isn't accepted by the tool. I've tried every other conceivable option, such as my admin password, old passwords I no longer use, etc. all to no avail.
    I receive the same message when trying to simply change the Firmware Password.
    Might there be a problem with special characters? My password uses alpha numeric values as well as two special characters: ? and ,
    The system currently runs OS X 10.8.2
    Any help in solving this issue would be greatly appriciated!

    Ah, I didn't know they could. In that case I will see if I can get an appointment. If anyone has any other ideas, please let me know. Would be great if I could work this out over the weekend.

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