Disable an Open Firmware (EFI) password on an Intel Mac
Ok, so you thought it would be a good idea to secure your Mac using a firmware password, and then you forgot it. Or, alternatively, you left your machine logged in and an enterprising and mischievous co-worker set a password while you were away. In either scenario, you’re confronted with the same problem: you can’t do anything but boot normally unless you enter the password to unlock the firmware.
If you’re running Leopard, the latest release of OS X from Apple, the solution is actually quite easy. As with most Apple stuff, the firmware password seems really secure, but it’s not, since Apple has nicely built in a backdoor. Here’s what you’ll need: your computer, a Leopard install disk or original system disk, and an administrative account on the Mac you’re unlocking. Got it? Ok, let’s get started:
- Boot normally into Mac OS X. You should be able to do this, because you’re not changing any boot options.
- Insert the OS X Leopard DVD into your computer. The popup will appear asking to install OS X. Just ignore or close it.
- Open Terminal by going to Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal or typing ‘Terminal’ into Spotlight.
- Enter the following:
open /Volumes/Mac\ OS\ X\ Install\ DVD/Applications
- In the Finder window that opens, choose Utilities and then Firmware Password Utility. Uncheck the box to set the firmware password and hit Change. Your password is now reset to blank, and you won’t be prompted to enter one when changing boot options.
Comments
Dexter (Mar 03, 2010)
Perfect, It’s Work