Locked out of OS and locked out of startup options

[boskie]

I'm hoping someone can help.

I have been given a 21.5" iMac (2011) running mavericks via work, where it was managed via either AD or Mac OS Server so that only domain accounts can login. I do not have access to any admin account and it seems all startup options are disabled as i can't get into recovery mode, target disk mode nor the disk start up option, with the later being password locked .

I am not bothered about the data on the disk as i wanted to wipe it and the only option i can think of is either trying to replace the drive myself or send it off to get the drive replaced.

Can anyone think of a method of accessing the system to allow remote install via thunderbolt?

 

[chrfr]

Can anyone think of a method of accessing the system to allow remote install via thunderbolt?

You will need to get someone who knows the firmware password to disable it for you.

 

[boskie]

You will need to get someone who knows the firmware password to disable it for you.

I can't get this easily, hence my request.

Another question is if i replace the drive will the firmware lock still be present and if so can i use a new OS install on the drive to disable it?

 

[chrfr]

if i replace the drive will the firmware lock still be present and if so can i use a new OS install on the drive to disable it?

Nope.

 

[briloronmacrumo]

One hope: take it to an Apple store with your receipts to prove ownership and provenance. Firmware locks can't be bypassed by just swapping out drives or the OS. Only Apple has the right tools to apply firmware changes. Alternatively, take it back to whoever gave it to you.

 

[maflynn]

Firmware password are a security precaution and so there's no effective way around them. If there was, then it would have been an ineffective security measure. As others stated, if you cannot reach out to the original owner, then you need to take it to Apple with proof of ownership (receipts).

 

[BrianBaughn]

Yep. If someone gave you a Mac with a Firmware Password but won't give you the password then what they're giving you is "the business".