New (used) iMac EMC 2389 help??

[daddyd]

Hi, I just bought this iMac from a surplus retailer and I was informed it would be an as-is purchase but maybe yall can help me out?

I'm really new to apple also so bear with me.

When I boot the computer, it boots into a Windows XP version with a ctrl-alt-del style login. So I got a copy of snow leopard and I wanted to clear the entire hard disc and re-do everything with only snow leopard being on there, but absolutely none of the startup keys that i've tried have worked, ie. holding C, pressing option after startup, etc. Nothing changes it from booting up the copy of Windows XP. Here's exactly what happens. I press the power button, a solid blank white screen appears for a few seconds, the iMac chimes, and then it boots into Win XP.

Can anyone give me any advice on how to re-install a different OS?

Much thanks!

 

[daddyd]

OK so I found bad news, I held option after the chime and a padlock comes up. So I guess someone has locked it, is there anyway to remove this?

Thanks

 

[justperry]

OK so I found bad news, I held option after the chime and a padlock comes up. So I guess someone has locked it, is there anyway to remove this?

Thanks

Open Firmware password is set, this Link might help, Or This One.
Edit: Try the second link first.

Or search in google for "bypass firmware password".

 

[fastlanephil]

Were they selling them of the back of a car?

 

[ruk110]

try to turn on the mac in target disk mode, connect it to another computer and carry out a full hard drive format and go from there. thats what i did with my other mac mini

 

[justperry]

Were they selling them of the back of a car?

Lol, you forgot to add a wink, there are also legit ways to get a Mac.

Try to turn on the mac in target disk mode, connect it to another computer and carry out a full hard drive format and go from there. thats what i did with my other mac mini

Hmmm, does that work, isn't the firmware preventing access?
Edit: It IS, Target Disk Mode Disabled

 

[daddyd]

I googled around and found an answer. I removed a module of memory and rebooted holding, command + option + p + r, and then let it cycle a few times, then held option after chime and startup option appear. I then shutdown, reinstalled the RAM and started back up and the startup options still work. I tried to boot from DVD but I'm thinking my copy of OSX is only upgrade. But at least firmware password is gone. Thanks for the help!

 

[justperry]

I googled around and found an answer. I removed a module of memory and rebooted holding, command + option + p + r, and then let it cycle a few times, then held option after chime and startup option appear. I then shutdown, reinstalled the RAM and started back up and the startup options still work. I tried to boot from DVD but I'm thinking my copy of OSX is only upgrade. But at least firmware password is gone. Thanks for the help!

Good on ya

I think you need the full install disk.

Cheers