Bought a Mac off craigslist and its got a firmware lock PlEASE HELP!

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Bought a Mac off craigslist and its got a firmware lock PlEASE HELP!

Hey guys, just bought a macbook air 2013 . When i turn it on it has a black screen with a flashing question mark folder. If I hold down power and option it brings me to the lock screen with the empty text box. I am very uneducated with Macs. I would really appreciate it for some help. What does the question mark thats flashing mean and how can I retrieve the password if the girl forgot what it was. She claims it just locked up on her and she couldnt rememeber the password. Thank you guys.

MacBook Air, 2013

Posted on Mar 23, 2015 6:42 AM

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Answer 1

John Galt

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141,356 points

Mar 23, 2015 10:12 AM in response to GreekApple

Read MacBook Air (Late 2010) and later, MacBook Pro (Early 2011) and later, iMac (Mid 2011) and later, Mac mini (Mid 2011): Recovering a lost firmware password.

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Answer 2

GreekApple Author

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Mar 23, 2015 10:28 AM in response to John Galt

Already did and they said i need a proof of purchase... :-(

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Answer 3

John Galt

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Mar 23, 2015 10:31 AM in response to GreekApple

Did you not obtain it from the seller?

How did you establish the fact it was hers to sell, and not stolen?

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Answer 4

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Mar 23, 2015 10:31 AM in response to GreekApple

I assume that you have some proof of purchase. just take it in.

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Answer 5

GreekApple Author

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Mar 23, 2015 10:35 AM in response to Csound1

I just have facebook messages between the two of us. I trusted and tried thinking positive that it wasnt stolen. 😟

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Answer 6

Mar 23, 2015 10:42 AM in response to GreekApple

A flashing question mark or globe appears when you start your Mac - Apple Support

Craigs list is a big ??? in my book

OS X Yosemite: If a flashing question mark appears

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Answer 7

KiltedTim

Level 10

195,873 points

Mar 23, 2015 10:40 AM in response to GreekApple

If you can't get your money back, you should consider turning it over to the police and taking a lesson from this.

Honestly, you're might want to consider yourself lucky that all you got was ripped of.

Google "craigslist murder" some time.

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Answer 8

John Galt

Level 10

141,356 points

Mar 23, 2015 10:57 AM in response to GreekApple

Facebook and Craigslist. Made for each other.

If the seller has any integrity whatsoever, she will take it back, refund your money, apologize profusely for selling you a Mac that doesn't work, and for wasting your time.

The EFI password is designed specifically to keep the Mac's information secure from unauthorized use. Apple's concern for its customers' information security is paramount. There are no back doors and the security it provides cannot be bypassed. There are dubious services advertising that capability though. I have no experience with them and I have no idea if they work. I do know they're expensive.

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