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rogera
New Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
 
2009-02-17, 04:34

Hi there,

Several weeks ago, somewhat stupidly, I created a firmware password for my G4 17" PowerBook using a third-party utility but have lost the paper upon which I wrote the password down. The paper is not where I thought I had put it.

Yesterday, completely forgetting that I had a firmware password in place, I had to reformat my HDD and have now discovered that I am unable to boot the PB due to the lack of the firmware password.

My questions are:

1. Does anyone know of a method to reset the firmware to its default state?
2. If not, is the firmware located on the logic board, in which case I can replace the logic board?
3. If not, is the firmware module replaceable or do I have to replace a complete motherboard.
4. Any other possible solutions to this problem?

Many thanks in advance for your help.
  quote
RobUSVI
Member
 
Join Date: May 2007
 
2009-02-17, 07:41

> 1. Does anyone know of a method to reset the firmware to its default state?

Alter the memory size and pram-reset four times in a row.
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alcimedes
I shot the sherrif.
 
Join Date: May 2004
Send a message via ICQ to alcimedes  
2009-02-17, 10:22

Quote:
Originally Posted by RobUSVI View Post
> 1. Does anyone know of a method to reset the firmware to its default state?

Alter the memory size and pram-reset four times in a row.
Pretty sure the firmware password, if that's what's been set here, can't be changed. Not sure what it's tied to though, so can't really help with the other questions.

Google is your frenemy.
Caveat Emptor - Latin for tough titty
I tend to interpret things in the way that's most hilarious to me
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curiousuburb
Antimatter Man
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: that interweb thing
 
2009-02-17, 10:43

IIRC, on some old machines (iBook era), you could remove RAM and thus reset the Firmware password.

I don't think that's an option anymore... and certainly not as easily user accessible.

edit: corrected in hindsight after alcimedes link.

All those who believe in telekinesis, raise my hand.

Last edited by curiousuburb : 2009-02-17 at 13:17. Reason: alcimedes link cures bad memory
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Gargoyle
http://ga.rgoyle.com
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: In your dock hiding behind your finder icon!
 
2009-02-17, 10:51

Quote:
Originally Posted by alcimedes View Post
Pretty sure the firmware password, if that's what's been set here, can't be changed. Not sure what it's tied to though, so can't really help with the other questions.
I think Rob is right, I remember seeing something like that on the Apple forums.
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alcimedes
I shot the sherrif.
 
Join Date: May 2004
Send a message via ICQ to alcimedes  
2009-02-17, 13:09

I'll be damned. Did some more digging and you are correct, it can be reset:

Quote:
After removing / adding more RAM than before, Turn on the computer and immediately reset PRAM by holding the Command-Option-P-R key combination. Press the keys until you've heard two successive startup sounds.
Open Firmware password protection should be now disabled. Shut down the computer and return it to its original RAM configuration.
From Mac OSX.com

http://macosx.com/forums/mac-os-x-sy...cbook-pro.html

Google is your frenemy.
Caveat Emptor - Latin for tough titty
I tend to interpret things in the way that's most hilarious to me
  quote
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