Clearing open firmware password

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Andy Cuffe - 26 Dec 2005 01:42 GMT

I have a G4 tower (dual 450 MHz, ADC graphics) that has the open
firmware password set.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106482

The hard has been wiped and due to the password I can't boot from a
CD, or clear the PRAM. The steps listed on the Apple page for
resetting the password require that you know the password. It also
mentions that you can bypass the password "Via physical access to the
inside of the computer." I don't see any jumpers that could be used
to reset the password. I've already tried removing the battery for a
few hours, but the password is still there.

Is there a way to clear the password, or it the system junk?
Andy Cuffe

baltimora@psu.edu <-- Use this address until 12/31/2005

acuffe@gmail.com <-- Use this address after 12/31/2005

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Charles - 26 Dec 2005 01:56 GMT

> It also mentions that you can bypass the password "Via physical
> access to the inside of the computer." I don't see any jumpers that
> could be used to reset the password. I've already tried removing the
> battery for a few hours, but the password is still there.

Remove a memory module. Turn on the computer and zap the pram right
away.

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Charles

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Andy Cuffe - 27 Dec 2005 18:53 GMT

>> It also mentions that you can bypass the password "Via physical
>> access to the inside of the computer." I don't see any jumpers that
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>Remove a memory module. Turn on the computer and zap the pram right
>away.

Thanks for the tip, it worked perfectly.
Andy Cuffe

baltimora@psu.edu <-- Use this address until 12/31/2005

acuffe@gmail.com <-- Use this address after 12/31/2005

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Mac Forum / General / Hardware / December 2005

Clearing open firmware password