MP 6,1 Can someone help me find info on my MDM issue?

[arkieboy72472]

So, I bought a 2013 MP from Ebay. It turns out it has a MDM on it from a company that may no longer exist. While I am trying to find or contact the company, I have setup a hosts file to block it from reactivation. In the mean, that file also means that every update is manual. I have the device on Big Sur 11.7.7 for now and I may just leave it there.

A few other things: This thing was fairly cheap (around 300 with tax and shipping) and came with lots of ram plus the black wireless KB and mouse set I have always wanted. I really like it and want to keep it. I am looking for any information, formal or informal, that can help me. I may have to send this to someone who can micro solder and can change the serial number if I can't find the company or a point of contact.

I am assuming it isn't stolen and it was sold in error. The seller has good reviews and seems to be willing to work with me. Since I have bought it, I upgraded the CPU to an 8 core, I redid all the thermal paste, cleaned out the fan and heat sink, and got it all set up the way I wanted. I only noticed the MDM after a clean install.

One last thing, I have a board serializer that I got from Ebay for a MBP 13" that works for some devices, but not for this one.

If you are me, what do you do? Does anyone know of a board level specialist who can reprogram or a software that can do what I need for this particular model? I would even be willing to replace a logic board (I am not sure what part has the baked in EFI/serial number, but I would buy it if it was cheap). Any ideas?

 

[tsialex]

It's more complex than just modifying the serial number - sorry but I'm not going to detail it - and changing just the BootROM SSN will continue to be MDM locked.

You can try a 1481 MATT card (€100), a MacUnlocks EFI Card Instant for 1481 (£49,99 + shipping), or a replacement 661-7527 logic board ($100+).

I'd first try to find someone from the original company to try to remove the Mac Pro from the MDM, if unsuccessful, I'd go with a replacement logic board, this way you have the least amount of headache and it's a more sane solution legally wise, since SPI flash replacements with different hardware IDs than the factory installed are illegal in several countries.

 

[arkieboy72472]

It's more complex than just modifying the serial number - sorry but I'm not going to detail it - and changing just the BootROM SSN will continue to be MDM locked.

You can try a 1481 MATT card (€100), a MacUnlocks EFI Card Instant for 1481 (£49,99 + shipping), or a replacement 661-7527 logic board ($100+).

I'd first try to find someone from the original company to try to remove the Mac Pro from the MDM, if unsuccessful, I'd go with a replacement logic board, this way you have the least amount of headache and it's a more sane solution legally wise, since SPI flash replacements with different hardware IDs than the factory installed are illegal in several countries.

I was wondering about these. In the past 2 or 3 times I have had this issue, I have just changed the serial number of the board and that fixed the issue. This time, my software won't boot regardless of the video out I choose. A google search found me a hosts file addition that actually stuck through both an offline update (from 11.5 to 11.7.7) and a time machine transfer. So far that file is holding and its cheap and easy. I just have to be careful about updates and wifi trying to connect unannounced. Its looking like the cheaper of the 2 methods that I know will work is a board replacement, and that is a super easy part to replace. I have the tools, but not the skills, to replace a chip. Sending the device or board off will likely cost more than 100 bucks. Fortunately, this device has no EFI locks. I just wish my software would have worked.

 

[flat4]

I wish that MDM companies would at least give the company the device is registered to so you can call them

 

[arkieboy72472]

Thanks for everyones help. I found a solution that works! If you need help, just message me. It isn't the best, but it will do.