Member Avatar for Brent.tc

I have a powerbook ?G4?, with an unknown (as in I don't know what it is) OS on it. When I boot it up it asks for a password. I set the password ages ago to keep my brother out, and now I don't know it. Is there any way to bypass this password screen? On the message asking for the password it says something like "You need a password to run in scsi disk mode" These are not the exact words, but are the words that I can remember off the top of my head.
Also, I only get 3 tries to enter the password before it shuts down... Maybe this can help determine the OS?

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Short expert summary and next steps

’s description — a boot-time prompt mentioning “SCSI/target disk mode” plus only three attempts before shutdown — strongly points to a low-level firmware/Open Firmware password (the padlock that blocks Target/SCSI Disk Mode and most startup key combos), not a normal macOS account login. Firmware locks stop the machine from booting from other media or entering single‑user/recovery modes. Apple: Set a firmware password. Background on Target/SCSI Disk Mode is here. Apple: Use Target Disk Mode.

If this is actually an OS login password (not firmware), the usual reset options apply — single‑user mode or the OS X/macOS recovery/reset utilities — as ’s question about install media indicates; Apple documents the standard account-reset paths. Apple: If you forgot your Mac login password.

Practical next steps (ordered by risk and likelihood):

  • Confirm it’s firmware vs account: does the lock prompt appear before any gray Apple logo / before the OS login window? If so it’s firmware (see Apple link above).
  • Non-destructive attempt (model-dependent): some older PowerPC Macs have a documented “change RAM + PRAM reset” method that can clear an Open Firmware password — change the memory configuration, then reset PRAM (Command+Option+P+R at boot until the chime repeats) as described in Apple training material. This is not guaranteed and requires opening the case. Apple training notes on Open Firmware / PRAM.
  • If data recovery is the goal: remove the internal 2.5" drive (PowerBook G4s typically use ATA/PATA) and read it from another machine with a 2.5" IDE/PATA-to-USB adapter or enclosure — iFixit has step-by-step hard-drive removal guides for G4 models. iFixit: PowerBook G4 hard drive guides.

If the firmware password cannot be cleared, Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider can remove it if proof of ownership is provided — but this may be limited for very old hardware. Finally, if the disk was encrypted with FileVault, physical access or removing firmware will not decrypt the volume; a FileVault recovery key or the correct account credentials are required. Apple: FileVault recovery options.

Reference notes: the RAM/PRAM method and nvram options are model- and firmware-version dependent; exercise static-precautions when opening the notebook.

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Member Avatar for jbennet

Do you have your OS cd?

I know that on OSX you can remove a password using the cd, dont know about older mac OSes.

Member Avatar for Brent.tc

nope...

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