HT1310: How to choose a startup disk on your Mac

Learn about How to choose a startup disk on your Mac
9797
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: I tried using the start-up manager but all that comes up is a padlock, narrow space to enter characters and a box with a right arrow.

Got the system from a donation store. This had been used at a school and the drive wasn't wiped, but most things require admin user-name & password. I tried the start-up manager but all that comes up is a padlock, narrow box to enter characters, and a box with a right arrow. Also, I can't use self-mode (command + S) just doesn't work. And no install discs. I get buy on eBay Restore discs but I think the OS id 9.0? Specs: MAC OS X 10.4.11, BUILD 8S165, S/N# XB**********S, Power PC G4 1.5 GHZ.

 

<Personal Information Edited by Host>

PowerMac, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Dec 17, 2013 8:28 AM

Close
9797

Q: I tried using the start-up manager but all that comes up is a padlock, narrow space to enter characters and a box with a right arr ... more

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Dec 17, 2013 8:35 AM in response to 9797
    Level 8 (35,071 points)
    iPad
    Dec 17, 2013 8:35 AM in response to 9797

    I see you have this PowerMac model:

     

    Screen shot 2013-12-17 at 8.27.43 AM.png

    {I've asked the Hosts to hide your serial number, so am providing this so the other helpers know your exact model without leaving the SN exposed}

     

    That series shipped with processors between 350 and 500mHz, but you say yours is 1.5Ghz. If you have upgraded the processor, please give us the make and model of the upgrade. That can make a difference in troubleshooting these old machines.

  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua Dec 17, 2013 10:14 AM in response to 9797
    Level 10 (123,506 points)
    Dec 17, 2013 10:14 AM in response to 9797

    Hello, is it maybe 1.5 GB?

     

    Firmware password protection in Mac OS X ...

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352

     

    It would block usage of all the startup keys, like C, N, T, D, CMD+s, CMD+Option+p+r, CMD +v, Option boot will show a lock, and Shift, as well as booting from anything but the Hard Drive.

     

    Force Removing Password Protection

     

    1) Add or remove DIMMs to change the total amount of RAM in the computer.

     

    2) Then, the PRAM must be reset 3 times. (Command + Option + P + R).

     

    http://www.securemac.com/openfirmwarepasswordprotection.php

  • by 9797,

    9797 9797 Dec 17, 2013 12:41 PM in response to 9797
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 17, 2013 12:41 PM in response to 9797

    It is the Power PC G4 1.5 GHZ. Also has a copper heatsink with 2 fans.