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Where is the firmware password stored on the computer

5

5oo

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 10, 2013
11
0
I cant access my imac when i turn it on it will give me flashing question mark and when i go to recovery it will show up greylock so i found out is a firmware password
so i didn little research about how to reset password but there is not too many options tho!!!
i was wondering if i change hdd`s? if is going to work or no?
 
You will need to take it to an Apple repair center where you will be asked for proof of ownership, then they will remove that EFI password for you. You can read about it here.

Replacing the hard drive will not get around this.
 
Weaselboy said:
You will need to take it to an Apple repair center where you will be asked for proof of ownership, then they will remove that EFI password for you. You can read about it here.

Replacing the hard drive will not get around this.
Click to expand...

well i got it from my friend tho so there is no way how to avoid it? :(
thanks
 
5oo said:
well i got it from my friend tho so there is no way how to avoid it? :(
Click to expand...
Ask your friend for the password. There is no way to circumvent or change the password, other than taking it to Apple.
 
Weaselboy said:
That means the system cannot find the OS to boot from. Most commonly this is a bad drive.
Click to expand...

when is drive bad and i am trying to get to recovery would show that greylock?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
5oo said:
when is drive bad and i am trying to get to recovery would show that greylock?
Click to expand...

You need the firmware password to boot from a different volume, so yes, you'd get the password prompt when trying to boot into recovery. You'll need to get the password from your friend.
 
5oo said:
when is drive bad and i am trying to get to recovery would show that greylock?
Click to expand...

You have two things going on at once here. When that EFI password is turned on (the one that is giving you the grey login screen like below), it locks the machine to whatever boot drive is currently selected. That why when you try to command-r boot you are getting the EFI PW prompt.

The second issue is you likely have a bad hard drive there and that is why the system won't boot and gives you that question mark.

TTbs60j.png
 
Weaselboy said:
You have two things going on at once here. When that EFI password is turned on (the one that is giving you the grey login screen like below), it locks the machine to whatever boot drive is currently selected. That why when you try to command-r boot you are getting the EFI PW prompt.

The second issue is you likely have a bad hard drive there and that is why the system won't boot and gives you that question mark.

Image
Click to expand...

so what should i do?

----------
Nermal said:
You need the firmware password to boot from a different volume, so yes, you'd get the password prompt when trying to boot into recovery. You'll need to get the password from your friend.
Click to expand...

well he doesnt remember anymore! :mad:
 
Weaselboy said:
You will need to take it to an Apple repair center where you will be asked for proof of ownership, then they will remove that EFI password for you. You can read about it here.

Replacing the hard drive will not get around this.
Click to expand...

5oo said:
so what should i do?
Click to expand...


Like I mentioned... take it to an Apple repair center and prove you own it and they will fix you up.
 
Shrink said:
Seems to be a lot of dancing around here with no one suggesting the obvious...

But it ain't going to be me! :p
Click to expand...

I'm inclined to agree, although it's never known for certain. I find it interesting that someone who I assume used the computer on at least a fairly regular basis wouldn't know the firmware password required to boot up. Granted, that's an assumption and there are many possible scenarios, but on the surface, it "smells funny".
 
GGJstudios said:
I'm inclined to agree, although it's never known for certain. I find it interesting that someone who I assume used the computer on at least a fairly regular basis wouldn't know the firmware password required to boot up. Granted, that's an assumption and there are many possible scenarios, but on the surface, it "smells funny".
Click to expand...

Like a skunk backed up directly against your left nostril!:eek:
 
GGJstudios said:
I'm inclined to agree, although it's never known for certain. I find it interesting that someone who I assume used the computer on at least a fairly regular basis wouldn't know the firmware password required to boot up. Granted, that's an assumption and there are many possible scenarios, but on the surface, it "smells funny".
Click to expand...

Thing is the firmware password is not required for normal boot up. If you set an EFI password then use the machine with the same drive, you would never need to enter the EFI password again. I typically set an EFI password when I buy a Mac, then never enter it again until I go to sell it.
 
Weaselboy said:
Thing is the firmware password is not required for normal boot up. If you set an EFI password then use the machine with the same drive, you would never need to enter the EFI password again. I typically set an EFI password when I buy a Mac, then never enter it again until I go to sell it.
Click to expand...
Interesting! And all the more reason to make sure you never forget the password, if you set one!
 
mrkramer said:
Have your "friend" go with you to Apple to prove that you own it and have them help you.
Click to expand...

no he deasnt have it same like i dont have no more stuff for ps3 or psp and other electronics well i guess i will put it in garbage LOL
 
5oo said:
no he deasnt have it same like i dont have no more stuff for ps3 or psp and other electronics well i guess i will put it in garbage LOL
Click to expand...

Who bought it from Apple? Apple knows who bought it originally. Unless this computer came from a "friend" who got it from a "friend" who got it from a "friend's" trunk in a dark alley. He should be able to help you out.
 
TheAppleFairy said:
Who bought it from Apple? Apple knows who bought it originally. Unless this computer came from a "friend" who got it from a "friend" who got it from a "friend's" trunk in a dark alley. He should be able to help you out.
Click to expand...

well i am going to ask if he will go with me but it wont to be like tomorrow?! LOL
 
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