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How to Completely Erase the internal HD and
Reset the Open Firmware Security

Updated 08/13/2004

This documentation is publically viewable but is intended for Penn State internal use only. Use as directed.

Macs that are being pulled from the Labs need to have 2 things done to them before they can be transferred to another department:

  1. Completely erase the internal Hard Disk:
    • Obtain a Mac Build FireWire Disk from Justin's office and boot with it.
    • Login as the lcsadmin user.
    • Once PSU Blast Image Config launches, click the Cancel button to quit.
    • Click on the Disk Utility icon on the dock:

    • Click on the hard disk icon that is pictured above the Macintosh HD disk icon. ( In this picture below, it's the "74.5 GB Hitachi HTS54808..." disk. )


    • To the right of the disk window click the "Erase" Tab, and then click the "Erase" button in the lower right corner to erase the disk. Make sure that the "Volume Format" is Mac OS Extended. Don't worry about changing the "Name" field.


    • Once the disk has been erased, quit out of Disk Utility and select "Shut Down..." from the Apple menu to power down the Mac. Detach the Firewire disk that was used to boot the Mac.
  2. Remove the Open Firmware Security Protection:
    • Power off/Shutdown the Mac if it's not already.
    • Press the Power button, and then IMMEDIATELY...
    • Press and HOLD 4 these 4 keys: OPTION, APPLE, O, F <--- (that's an "OH" and not a "zero"!)
    • Keep holding the keys until the Mac's display shows a white background with black text stating "Release Keys to Continue!".
    • At the "0 >" prompt, enter in reset-nvram and press return
    • You should then be prompted with "Enter password:" for the PSU lab Mac password (or the Signature Station password). Enter in the password.
    • At the "0 >" prompt enter in shut-down. The Mac will save the new Open Firmware security settings and then power down.
    • The Mac is now ready to be transferred to another department.
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This page was last modified: 8/13/2004 7:43:26 AM.