tvgc2007
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: How to reset forgotten Firmware Password using administrator account

Warning: The Open Firmware Password can be reset and changed by any one of the following (except MacBook Air):

  1. By any administrator user, as designated in the Accounts preferences (or in Server Admin).
  2. Via physical access to the inside of the computer.
  3. When the computer is started up in Mac OS 9.

 

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

 

Can someone teach me how to reset it? I do know that 2. is invalid already. I'm running a Macbook Pro Late 2011 on OSX Mavericks

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on May 17, 2014 1:38 AM

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tvgc2007

Q: How to reset forgotten Firmware Password using administrator account

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  • by andyBall_uk,

    andyBall_uk andyBall_uk May 17, 2014 3:03 AM in response to tvgc2007
    Level 7 (20,495 points)
    May 17, 2014 3:03 AM in response to tvgc2007

    Your model is included in the list at Recovering a lost firmware password

    & the firmware password can't be reset in the ways suggested.

  • by Stephen Zelley,

    Stephen Zelley Stephen Zelley Jun 7, 2016 10:01 PM in response to andyBall_uk
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Jun 7, 2016 10:01 PM in response to andyBall_uk

    As a computer owner, shouldn't we be allowed to service our own products? I'm thinking about setting a firmware password for added security, but at the same time, What do I do if I forget it? I lost my firmware password once, and it was not fun as a result. Isn't their something a normal mac user can do without having to take their macs in for service? Any suggestions or answers would be great please. Thanks in advance.

  • by chroot,

    chroot chroot Jun 7, 2016 11:38 PM in response to Stephen Zelley
    Level 4 (1,099 points)
    Jun 7, 2016 11:38 PM in response to Stephen Zelley

    Having experience with similar passwords on PC's the steps to reset the password varied.  It could be reset simply by clearing the CMOS which involved removing a watch style battery from the motherboard or a more complicated process of having to reflash the BIOS.  The CMOS is where the BIOS settings were stored which would be similar to resetting the PRAM or NVRAM on a Mac.  I am going to take a wild guess and say the process on a Mac would require having to reflash firmware.

  • by Stephen Zelley,

    Stephen Zelley Stephen Zelley Jun 8, 2016 1:09 AM in response to chroot
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Jun 8, 2016 1:09 AM in response to chroot

    Hi, I just found the reply to this post. Do you know how to flash the firmware on a mac? I'm perfectly fine with opening the case and doing work inside the computer if that's what it requires. Do you know how to flash the firmware on a mac?

  • by Stephen Zelley,

    Stephen Zelley Stephen Zelley Jun 8, 2016 1:11 AM in response to chroot
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Notebooks
    Jun 8, 2016 1:11 AM in response to chroot

    Is their a simeller chip on the mother board on macs that does the same as the watch stile battery on a windows computer?