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shamrog12
07-25-2005, 02:44 PM
I have Tiger and I'm using Open Firmware Password on my PowerBook to try to set a firmware password for security. I set the password as needed and upon restarts I am not prompted for a firmware password. I followed the instructions on http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106482 .
yellow
07-25-2005, 02:51 PM
[Moving to System]

Are you booting into Open Firmware in order to be prompted for the password, or are you expecting it before the normal login screen?
shamrog12
07-25-2005, 03:02 PM
i'm expecting before the login screen. is that not how it works?
yellow
07-25-2005, 03:15 PM
No, that is not how it works.

The Open Firmware password protects the Open Firmware (requiring a password), and disables booting from CDs and Single User Mode.
shamrog12
07-25-2005, 03:21 PM
so what can I do to see it in action? try to boot from a CD?
yellow
07-25-2005, 03:23 PM
No.. as noted, only the Open Firmware is password protected.. so, try booting into Open Firmware.
chabig
07-25-2005, 03:45 PM
so what can I do to see it in action? try to boot from a CD?Yes. Try to boot from a CD. It will fail to do so, continuing to boot from the internal drive. You can also hold down cmd-S during startup. Normally this would boot you to single user mode, but with the password installed the machine will boot normally.

Chris
shamrog12
07-25-2005, 03:51 PM
so if my OS goes kerplunk and I need to boot from the CD to reinstall the OS because I can't get to the desktop, how do I get the computer to boot from the CD?
yellow
07-25-2005, 03:53 PM
Typically by not using the OF password as a good start, unless the need is great and you're in a situation where security is ultracritical. Or by disabling the OF password after the fact.. which Apple tells you how to do, which makes it equally pointless.
chabig
07-25-2005, 03:58 PM
so if my OS goes kerplunk and I need to boot from the CD to reinstall the OS because I can't get to the desktop, how do I get the computer to boot from the CD?
You insert the CD (DVD) after turning on the machine. Hold down the option key while booting. This prompts you for your open firmware password. Once you enter it correctly, a graphical picker will show all of the boot volumes attached to the machine. You'll pick the CD and then click continue.

Chris
yellow
07-25-2005, 04:19 PM
That's an even better way. ;)
shamrog12
07-25-2005, 06:32 PM
You insert the CD (DVD) after turning on the machine. Hold down the option key while booting. This prompts you for your open firmware password. Once you enter it correctly, a graphical picker will show all of the boot volumes attached to the machine. You'll pick the CD and then click continue.

Chris

Ah yes, that makes total sense. Thanks.