While upgrading, Hold option key on restart abd receive a imagine of a lock

While upgrading or replacing OS 10.2 to 10.4, I Hold option key on restart and receive a imagine of a lock. Haven't the password to unlock. WHAT TO DO? Please. Any work around, or does anyone know a boss password. The usual haven't worked. Thanks in advance for your time and attention.

Bought Ibook from state of Maine. Yes Bought it. Unable to get the firm password. However in the article link offered by Duane, it refers to bypassing this password by
"1.By any administrator user, as designated in the Accounts preferences (or in Server Admin).
2.Via physical access to the inside of the computer.
3.When the computer is started up in Mac OS 9. "
Ok I have physical access, does this suggest I just yank the battery, or is there a switch somewhere?. Thanks for all the input, your help is invaluable!!!
Sally

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