How to remove Apple Firmware Password without booting in Recovery Mode?

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How to remove Apple Firmware Password without booting in Recovery Mode?

I am looking for solution to remove the Apple Firmware Password without booting in Recovery Mode? Is that possible?

My Mac mini died. I am unable to boot from a secondary backup system, recovery mode or USB stick with Yosemite installed. The Mac Display stays in gray or black mode. Thus I’d like to use Target Mode to mount the disk drives on another computer. Unfortunately the Apple Firmware Password seems to block Target Mode.

What can I do?

Posted on Sep 17, 2015 1:55 AM

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Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

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Sep 17, 2015 5:36 AM in response to Tom Binroth

If you have a later model Mac. see

Use a firmware password on your Mac - Apple Support

you have to

If you can't remember the password you set using the Firmware Password Utility or Find My Mac, schedule a service appointment with an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Bring your proof of purchase (original receipt or invoice) with you. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail Store, make a reservation (available only in some countries).

For earlier model Mac remove one stick of memory nd then reboot. That reset the FW PW

http://osxdaily.com/2009/10/19/bypass-mac-firmware-password/

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Answer 2

Tom Binroth Author

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Sep 17, 2015 6:16 AM in response to lllaass

Thank you for your reply.

Sorry, for not being specific. I’d like to remove the Apple Firmware Password within the Recover Mode. I remember my Firmware Password.

The point is that the MacMini shows a gray screen all the time! I am able to hold down Shift key and select a volume. However none of them are working. Also starting the Apple Hardware Test leads to gray screen for hours.

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Answer 3

lllaass

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Sep 17, 2015 6:38 AM in response to Tom Binroth

What model Mac?

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Answer 4

Tom Binroth Author

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Sep 17, 2015 6:42 AM in response to lllaass

lllaass wrote:

What model Mac?

Mac mini Mid 2011

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Answer 5

lllaass

Level 10

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Sep 17, 2015 6:57 AM in response to Tom Binroth

Try booting to Internet Recovery:

You may be able to force your Mac to boot into Internet Recovery by holding down Command+Option+R at startup.

make sure all peripherals except monitor mouse and KB and internet are disconnected

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Answer 6

Tom Binroth Author

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Sep 17, 2015 7:04 AM in response to lllaass

lllaass wrote:

Try booting to Internet Recovery:

You may be able to force your Mac to boot into Internet Recovery by holding down Command+Option+R at startup.

make sure all peripherals except monitor mouse and KB and internet are disconnected

Yes, I've already tried that. It stays at the gray screen for hours and the fan goes crazy.

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Answer 7

Lexiepex

Level 6

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Sep 17, 2015 7:06 AM in response to Tom Binroth

I am not 100% sure here, but would it not be possible to remove the dead disk from the mini and connect it to another mac with a sata to USB connector cable??

The firmware password is on the firmware not on the disk !!

Lex

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Answer 8

lllaass

Level 10

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Sep 21, 2015 5:23 AM in response to Tom Binroth

Try disconnecting the internal HD(s)

http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/mac_mini2011_hd/

Last,

- Make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store.

Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

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Answer 9

Tom Binroth Author

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Sep 17, 2015 7:12 AM in response to Lexiepex

LexSchellings, thank you for your reply too.

Hm, the Mac mini has two disk attached. I don't think that both systems are damaged. I am also unable to boot from a fresh Yosemite USB stick or Mavericks USB stick.

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Answer 10

Lexiepex

Level 6

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Sep 21, 2015 5:23 AM in response to Tom Binroth

Of course the other start methods you mention do not work, because you need the firmware for that.

I suggest to take the disk out and read it on another mac.

Normally the lower bay is the startup disk (?).

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Answer 11

Tom Binroth Author

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Sep 21, 2015 5:33 AM in response to Tom Binroth

I just wanted to get back on my issue. I was able to disconnect both disks. There are just working fine.

Now, it pretty much looks like a Logicboard and graphic card issue. Apple Care expired a year ago. 😁

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Answer 12

Lexiepex

Level 6

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Sep 21, 2015 6:00 AM in response to Tom Binroth

I suppose it still is the firmware password, you did not take that out, I presume...

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Answer 13

Tom Binroth Author

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Sep 21, 2015 6:12 AM in response to Lexiepex

Frankly, I don't think so. The Firmware password shows up before I am able to select any volumes. Otherwise I couldn't select any Volume to boot from.

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Answer 14

Lexiepex

Level 6

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Sep 21, 2015 6:32 AM in response to Tom Binroth

Sigh...

Yes When you start a mac, the first thing that happens is the firmware starting up its eproms, and then starts the OS, on the disk.

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