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

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Level 1

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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!

iBook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Aug 18, 2008 10:50 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Aug 18, 2008 11:19 AM in response to defen0500

1. Launch the Open Firmware Password Application.
2. Click the authentication icon and enter your Administrator credentials. You will be prompted for a password.
3. Locate and click the Change button.
4. This will launch an Open Firmware Password window.
5. In the Open Firmware Password window, locate and click to deselect/uncheck the "Require password to change Open Firmware settings" option.
6. Click the OK button to commit your changes.
7. Locate and re-select the lock icon.

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Answer 2

defen0500 Author

Level 1

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Aug 18, 2008 12:12 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for your reply. The problem is that I can't launch the Open Firmware Password application without the OS CD. Is there another way?

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Aug 18, 2008 12:58 PM in response to defen0500

Not without mechanical work. If you do a Google search for "turn off open firmware password" you will find some references about how to do it. However, it would be inappropriate for us to provide that information on the Apple Discussions.

Or you can wait until you get to the repair shop where they can do it for you.

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Answer 4

Király

Level 6

10,017 points

Aug 19, 2008 10:07 AM in response to defen0500

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.

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Answer 5

defen0500 Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 19, 2008 10:30 AM in response to Király

Thanks!

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