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Startup option for access to firmware/BIOS

Hi there, I know Macs don't use BIOS so I assume getting in to the Open Firmware is the same thing. I understand you use the CMD key (Apple Key) + OPT key (ALT Key) + O + F - this doesn't seem to work on my iMAC (which is also BootCamped running WinXP) - any ideas why I can't get this to work?..I can press down the ALT key which gives me the option to choose a boot partition but just can't get into Open Firmware - any ideas please?

iMac (Intel), Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Jun 21, 2007 1:48 PM

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Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Posted on Jun 21, 2007 2:41 PM

That's because Intel Macs do not support Open Firmware rather they use EFI. To select a boot partition at startup after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears.

If you wish to access the Unix command line at startup you must press COMMAND-S after the chime and hold it until a black screen with white type appears.

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23 replies

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jun 22, 2007 3:51 PM in response to JasonG69

You can't access the EFI ROM. You can set the date and time with the preferences, control panel, or command line. That's it, I'm afraid.

JasonG69 Author

Level 1

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Jun 22, 2007 4:18 PM in response to Kappy

so what am I accessing when I use the CMD+S startup option?

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jun 22, 2007 4:23 PM in response to JasonG69

You are accessing the single-user mode of Unix.

JasonG69 Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 22, 2007 4:29 PM in response to Kappy

so changing the date there doesn't affect the OS on either partition?

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jun 22, 2007 4:35 PM in response to JasonG69

Yes it does. It sets the "system" time that is stored in PRAM.

JasonG69 Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 22, 2007 4:37 PM in response to Kappy

so isn't that sufficient to fool the OS during installation?

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jun 22, 2007 4:49 PM in response to JasonG69

I think I've been telling you that over several replies - you can set the date and time using the Date and Time preference pane in System Preferences and/or the control panel in Windows.

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jun 22, 2007 5:03 PM in response to JasonG69

I really don't know. I don't understand why you want to set the date into the future in the first place. So all I can tell you is to give it a try.

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Startup option for access to firmware/BIOS