[UnsaltedPeanuts]

Recently, my school started to think about starting a 1-to-1 device policy, and gave some macbook airs to some students to test them out. The problem is, they've basically tried to shut down any access to it, besides a few things that they allow us to install.

What I want to know is, is it possible to get past the firmware password, without opening the system up, and removing ram?

To be honest, I don't actually know if this is possible, and I would like to avoid it if at all possible.[/i]

[.eXe]

Removing the RAM doesn't work on newer models. 2011 or older I believe. So in essence, no. There's nothing you can do unless you can do some privilege escalation.

[Headdy]

It's super easy. You have multiple options:

Option 1:
- Boot in single user mode (hold CMD + S on boot)
- Type: /sbin/fsck -fy
- Then type: /sbin/mount -uw /
- Type: launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.opendirectoryd.plist
- Type: dscl . -passwd /Users/<username here> <new password here>

You can get usernames by typing: ls /Users

Options 2:
- Boot into recovery mode (hold CMD + R on boot)
- Press "Utilities" at the top, then click on "Terminal".
- Type: resetpassword

A menu will pop up and you'll be able to reset your password(s) there.

[.eXe]

It's super easy. You have multiple options:

Option 1:
- Boot in single user mode (hold CMD + S on boot)
- Type: /sbin/fsck -fy
- Then type: /sbin/mount -uw /
- Type: launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.opendirectoryd.plist
- Type: dscl . -passwd /Users/<username here> <new password here>

You can get usernames by typing: ls /Users

Options 2:
- Boot into recovery mode (hold CMD + R on boot)
- Press "Utilities" at the top, then click on "Terminal".
- Type: resetpassword

A menu will pop up and you'll be able to reset your password(s) there.

While that does get him access to the accounts, it sounds to me like there's a security profile on there which he needs to get round, as well as a FW Password.

[Saltpeter]

Isn't the ram soldered on in the Airs too?