ibook 2002 firmware password wont let me zapp pram

T

tnt4sanity

Registered
I have a 2002 ibook. x-boyfriend put firmware pass word - i took out the ram chip, the battery, and unplugged it. Waited about six hours plugged it in -No matter what i try it will not allow me to zapp the pram. It just boots to the log in screen ( he also password protected ) . When I try to bypass the hard drive with the install cdrom it ignores any keyboard commands (ie.. "c"ect..) So , the only one it aknowledges is (of) firmware thingy then asks for a password. Without having to take it completely apart , how can I fix it?
Please help - my x should have just stolen it - it is useless ! Tonya.:confused:
 
What do you mean it doesn't let you zap the PRAM? Holding down Cmd-Opt-P-R really doesn't do anything? Well: If that's really the case, you could - of course - simply ask your ex for the password. I know, this can be difficult depending on the situation, but it often helps to simply ask.
 
It doesnt work - I have asked several times - He just laughs. He has no plans on ending this for me - he is enjoying it way to much. Any other idias ?
 
See here:

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

Scroll down to the section about "Preparing a computer to take advantage of password protection".

Also see about resetting the Power Management Unit (PMU). This is a last resort option.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=14449

If this doesn't work, you might have to look at alterior ways of getting him to fess up. Considering that this is almost like someone vandalizing your possession (assuming that you can prove this laptop is yours to the authorities), you might be able to legally have him tell you the information you need "or else". However, I suggest that you do the options that were mentioned first.
 
If you take the memory out, and THEN try the PRAM reset (opt-apple-p-r), that will work to reset that firmware password. Shut back off, and reinstall the memory. Boot to your installer disk, and choose reset password from the menus. Choose your hard drive, and then choose your user account, and type in a password that you will remember. That should take care of the login password. Let us know if one of these does not help.
 
I know this sounds crazy - but the keyboard works and everything , I took the ram out and it still will not zapp the pram . Holding the (opt-apple -p-r) nor pushing them sim. works .I have been trying for two days. I have been dealing with macs for ten years and it makes no sence . It just boots normaly to the log in screen . My ex is truely twisted . I have considered calling the police, but honestly - they will laugh at me. It is his word against mine. The only thing I can think of to do after researching this online for the past two days is to keep the bat out , keep it unplged and pray for the internal bat. to die - possibly allowing the firmware crap to not get in the way of booting off the install disk or zapping the pram. But this still is strange. How this firmware can survive even the removal of ram and still stop me from zapping the pramm. This is not logical. Ill keep you guys posted. Any more idias - feel free to let me know. Is there any other way to get the pram to zapp ? I would hate to have to take it appart -pull out the hard drive -boot off the cdrom then reconect the hard drive. I have done that to desktop macs - but never a ibook.
 
DId you try resetting the PMU like I suggested? This is different from zapping the PRAM.
 
As quoted from the firmware page I linked (it was located right below the listed iBooks before the pictures about the button):

For iBook (16 VRAM) and later models of iBook, there is no physical reset button.

1. If the computer is on, turn it off.
2. Reset the power manager by simultaneously pressing and then releasing Shift-Control-Option-Power on the keyboard. Do not press the fn (Function) key while using this combination of keystrokes.
3. Wait 5 seconds.
4. Press the Power button to restart the iBook computer.
Click to expand...
 
No sir- do you think one of my keyboard buttons is not working- mabey thats why it is not responding. I know that Command-Option-O-F keys work - so far they are the only ones that affect the start up process.
 
What doesnt make sence the most to me is removing the ram chip is supposed to reset the firmware automaticly. From what I understand just to change the amount of ram should reset the firmware - Why is that not working ? I took it out and it still wants the firmware password- it wont let me zapp the pram or boot off the cdrom . Is there somthing I dont understand about this firmware crap. All I have read says that changing the amount of ram should do it. If this is min. security -I would hate to see max.
 
Well, let's try that again, shall we. :)

1.) Turn off your iBook.
2.) Remove or add RAM (i.e. change the RAM configuration).
3.) Option-Ctrl-Shift-Power.
4.) Wait _at least_ five seconds.
5.) Release the fingers.
6.) Wait _at least_ five seconds.
7.) Turn the iBook on and immediately hold down Cmd-Opt-P-R to reset the PRAM. Wait until the chime has come and gone three times.
8.) Now look.

If you do one or the other thing but then simply let it run, it might not work. If these 8 steps do _not_ work, bring the thing to an Apple Store or reseller who sells Macs and have it serviced. Although first you might want to try and tell your ex that it's really not funny anymore.
 
::love:: You Guys are by far the best. Thank You for taking the time and energy to help me out . It ment the world to me . Just to let you know - I reinstalled the system yesterday without any problems. It is working great .
In fact , I am writing this post on it right now ! Thanks Guys !
Love ,
Tonya
 
Glad that we were able to help. Imagine, if your ex didn't do this, you would never have found out about us! So you can at least thank him for that... ;)
 
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