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Mac OS X 10.1.2 standalone updaters; Open Firmware Password instructions

Mac OS X 10.1.2 standalone updaters; Open Firmware Password instructions

CNET staff
2 min read
Late additions...

122003: Mac OS X Update Combo 10.1.2 is a standalone version of 10.1.2 that apparently combines all post-10.1 updates and will run on any system with OS X 10.1 or later. [See previous coverage.]

122002: Mac OS X Update 10.1.2 is the standalone version that requires 10.1.1 be already installed.

106482: Mac OS X 10.1: How to Set up Open Firmware Password Protection provides details about how to use the Open Firmware Password Utility. Version 1.0.2 was recently released. When turned on, Open Firmware Password Protection:

  • blocks the ability to use the "C" key to start up from a CD-ROM disc.
  • blocks the ability to use the "N" key to start up from a NetBoot server.
  • blocks the ability to use the "T" key to start up in Target Disk Mode (on computers that offer this feature).
  • blocks the ability to start up in Verbose mode by pressing the Command-V key combination during startup.
  • block the ability to start up a system in Single-user mode by depressing the Command-S key combination during startup.
  • blocks a reset of Parameter RAM (PRAM) by pressing the Command-Option-P-R key combination during startup.
  • requires the password to use the Startup Manager, accessed by pressing the Option key during startup (Figure 1).
  • requires the password to enter commands after starting up in Open Firmware, which is done by depressing the Command-Option-O-F key combination during startup.

If, after emabling the password, you cannot access the Open Firmware Password application and need to troubleshoot your computer by: resetting the PRAM; starting up in Single-user mode; starting up in Verbose mode; or starting from CD-ROM; follow these steps:

  1. Start up into Open Firmware by pressing and holding the Command-Option-O-F key combination during startup.
  2. At the Open Firmware prompt, type: reset-nvram
  3. Press Return.
  4. When prompted for your password, enter it and press the Return key. It will respond OK.
  5. At the Open Firmware prompt, type: set-defaults
  6. Press Return. It will respond OK.
  7. At the Open Firmware prompt, type: reset-all
  8. Press Return. The computer will restart and you will now be able to reset the PRAM and startup in Single-user mode, Verbose mode, or from CD-ROM.