800 MHz iBook g3 Mac OS X 10.4.4

[~tl]

have you tried holding down the option key at boot with the OS9 disc in the machine? that will bring you to the OpenFirmware boot selector. you should be able to force the machine to boot from the disc.

If there is an OpenFirmware password set up, then that will not work since it stops the use of C-key CD booting and using the boot selector.

 

[alk]

Other than bypassing single user mode, I haven't heard anything that would indicate an OF password is set. Still, you really ought to try to find out if one is.

Try this:

Boot up holding down Command-Option-O-F to go to the Open Firmware prompt. Type:

> reset-nvram

If it asks for a password, you've got an OF password you need to defeat. Otherwise, forget the OF password part.

If you aren't asked for a password, type:

> reset-all

Your Mac will reboot. Otherwise, just reboot it with the three finger salute and call it a day. Then follow Tom's suggestion with regard to clearing the OF password.

Peace,

Drew

 

[urkel]

Thanks, Alk, I'll check it. Also, I don't have access privelages to run FWSucker, so if it does have an OF password, I'll need to physically reset it.

 

[urkel]

I checked it, and there is an open firmware password installed. I guess this means I'm going in!

 

[urkel]

http://www.securemac.com/openfirmwarepasswordprotection.php

Force Removing Password Protection
1) Add or remove DIMMs to change the total amount of RAM in the computer.

2) Then, the PRAM must be reset 3 times. (Command + Option + P + R).

Might be worth a shot...

iBooks have DIMMS, right? I suppose I'll also have to take out a set number so it has 128MB, right?

 

[Patrickool93]

Standard 100/133mhz SO-Dimms. It has 128mb soldered. The tray-loading iMacs use the same type. 10.4won't boot with less then 196, iirc, so you'll want to put another So-Dimm in there.

 

[alk]

Standard 100/133mhz SO-Dimms. It has 128mb soldered. The tray-loading iMacs use the same type. 10.4won't boot with less then 196, iirc, so you'll want to put another So-Dimm in there.

You don't need to boot 10.4, you only need to pass POST. If you strip it down to the motherboard RAM, you'll be fine. Just reset PRAM at that point (you'll never see the OS X desktop), then either shut it off or boot back to OF to set a different OF password.

After that, you can put the RAM back in. You can also try booting 10.4 before installing the RAM. I have no idea whether or not 10.4's requirement of 196 MB of RAM is artificial or not...

Peace,

Drew

 

[urkel]

In the interest of science, I'll try to boot 10.4. . . but it'll wait until tomorrow. I'll be sure to take pictures. Thanks so much to all who replied, you've done a G3 and my friend a great service!!!

 

[urkel]

I can't get the keyboard off!

 

[Patrickool93]

In between Esc and F1 there is a tab, and another between F11 and Eject(F12) Slide them back and lift at the same time. They have little tabs in them that hold it in.

 

[urkel]

I'm trying that. Is the locked position like this | or like this — ?

 

[Patrickool93]

Like this - is unlocked

 

[urkel]

Hmm. I've tried both. . . and I'm stripping the screw.

 

[Patrickool93]

Ok, do one at a time. Slide it back, and put your finger under the ESC key. Lift that corner, Then do the same with the other side. Each is easier seperate.

 

[Patrickool93]

Here's is a quick video of opening it. Sorry about the music in the background, I just got a new record player and it has been playing non stop for a awhile...

 

[urkel]

Thanks a bunch. And you know I love the Beatles.

 

[urkel]

Thanks a bunch, patricool! I got it!!! I'll keep you all posted. Keep checking in, I expect it'll be done in a day.

 

[urkel]

AWESOME! I JUST DID IT AND CHECKED AND THERE'S NO OF PASSWORD!! About to boot into single-user mode.

 

[urkel]

I got into single-user, but when I type sh /etc/rc it goes into a blue screen and hangs up. I can't boot from the OS 9 CD, not even holding down option at the firmware prompt. It doesn't recognize the CD as a valid volume.