firmware lockout

Question

Level 1

8 points

firmware lockout

Saw several items about firmware lockout and not knowing the password.

Have a similar problem. Increasing problems with waking up my Macmini. Would freeze for half a minute or longer. One day several attempts and a forced restart lead to the firmware lockout screen. Didn't know what this was then.

Dealer suggested I forgot my 'encryption' password and suggested I might have failed to 'uncheck' something Apple could have installed during an update...

Result was an €80 bill for reinstalling firmware and OS.

The first problem is still there, I know now what to do to set the password for unlocking firmware lockout and this is not something you easily forget you have done: I never set this.

Still think there is a connection with the (hardware?) problem.

Any thoughts/knowledge about this?

Mac mini, macOS 11.2

Posted on Feb 23, 2021 2:19 AM

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Answer 1

PRP_53

Level 10

91,303 points

Feb 23, 2021 2:55 AM in response to bwah

A Firmware Password is different from a FileVault password. The Firmware password Locks the Drive from Booting anything even the macOS. The FileVault encrypts the macOS and all the contents of the drive.

One can not Remove the Firmware Password from the Drive by just erasing the drive and reinstalling macOS. One could not even boot the drive to Wipe it and reinstall macOS without the Firmware Password.

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Answer 2

PRP_53

Level 10

91,303 points

Feb 23, 2021 6:47 AM in response to bwah

At this point three (3) options exist

1 - " Dealer suggested I forgot my 'encryption' password " take it back to said Dealer and get the Firmware Password they must have enabled from Recovery Mode. By the way, the only what the Dealer could have done that is if you gave them the computer password.

2 - Take the unit to an Apple Authorized Dealer or Apple Store WITH PROOF of PURCHASE in hand. Without the PoP - they will not touch it.

3 - enjoy the new expensive Paper Weight.

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Answer 3

PRP_53

Level 10

91,303 points

Feb 23, 2021 2:11 PM in response to bwah

Based upon experience and even more experienced person Here the Firmware Password can Only be done by Apple themselves. As for Replacing the LogicBoard with new one and replacing the internal drive - the jury is not decided.

And Yes another regarding Firmware Password and how it can be fixed

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Answer 4

PRP_53

Level 10

91,303 points

Feb 24, 2021 3:50 AM in response to bwah

So, if the Dealer who performed the work was in fact an Apple Authorized Dealer - gather all the hard evidence, copies of invoices, names, location and who they used to perform the Outside Work and provided this to Apple. The Certification process to be an Apple Authorized Dealer is rigorous ( I believe ) and this experience can be taken up Directly with Apple

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Answer 5

PRP_53

Level 10

91,303 points

Feb 23, 2021 4:16 AM in response to bwah

If your Mac doesn't start up all the way

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Answer 6

bwah Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 23, 2021 11:48 AM in response to PRP_53

1, 2 - Dealer = Apple Authorized Dealer. With PoP and computer password they sent it to Technical department.

Report: reinstall Firmware and OS due to encryption. No words about enabling from Recovery Mode.

Checked after reinstall latest backup: no password was set for Firmware or FileVault.

3 - Still works, not yet paper weight :-D, but problem with which it all started has not been solved...

About your previous remark:

One can not Remove the Firmware Password from the Drive by just erasing the drive and reinstalling macOS. One could not even boot the drive to Wipe it and reinstall macOS without the Firmware Password.

According to the reports that is what they did: reinstall Firmware and macOS. There was no Firmware password, I never set it and I am the first owner.

Isn't that strange?

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