Unable to Hard Reset Due to Password Screen

[chrisniemann]

Hello Everyone!

So I'm trying to hard reset my iMac (Late 2013) and Mavericks is installed. I restarted the computer and held down 'Command+R" and instead of a recovery screen of listed hard-drives and reboot options and stuff, I get a grey screen with a grey lock on it, and a password entry bar below it. I didn't set my computer up to have a password, so I typed in my Apple account password, and nothing happens. I'm not too sure what other password it might be looking for. Please help! 🙂

 

[mojolicious]

It's the Firmware Password, which is settable (and removable) from the Recovery Partition, which you can't boot from because you don't know the Firmware Password...

If anyone else in your home uses the iMac then interrogate them. If the iMac is secondhand then contact the vendor.

I believe the only way to change/remove a lost Firmware Password is to present yourself at a Genius Bar with both your computer and (presumably) proof of ownership. I guess the best course of action is to book yourself in by phone and ask what documentation they require.