With a firmware password enabled how to boot in to an other volume?

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Level 2

230 points

With a firmware password enabled how to boot in to an other volume?

I found this:

Some startup keys don't respond if both firmware password protection and FileVault 2 are enabled

Some startup key combinations that you can use when your Mac starts, such as those which use the Option or Command keys, may not respond if a firmware password has also been enabled.

If you have a firmware password enabled on your Mac, you must successfully enter that password before you can boot to another startup volume, or before you can access the Startup Manager.

Is it not so that if I boot from lets say a DVD or External HD, I will be asked for the Firmware PW before being allowed to go on?

MBP + MBP, MM + MM - 10.6 - 10.8

Posted on Aug 11, 2013 1:15 PM

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Answer 1

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mende1

Level 10

93,538 points

Aug 11, 2013 1:17 PM in response to ChangeAgent

Correct. That's what the quoted text says: if you want to start up from a startup volume different than the default one, including discs and external drives, you will be asked for a firmware password if it's activated

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Answer 2

ChangeAgent Author

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230 points

Aug 11, 2013 10:52 PM in response to mende1

aha, no problem, just wanted to make sure, thanks.

And if FileVault is on, same procedure? FW PW first next FV PW? Or?

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Answer 3

mende1

Level 10

93,538 points

Aug 12, 2013 1:53 AM in response to ChangeAgent

I haven't tried it with FileVault so I can't tell you the answer for that question, but note that FileVault only affects to the internal drive, which would mean that you are not asked for FileVault. Another user has to confirm this

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Answer 4

ChangeAgent Author

Level 2

230 points

Aug 12, 2013 6:33 AM in response to mende1

Thanks, yeah internal drives only, understood. Still it will want the (I assume) FW password before being able to start from external source. As you said, can someone comment on that?

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