MacBook Pro early 2011 13-inch *Firmware password*

[megan0]

I bought a MacBook pro yesterday and the buyer didn't know anything about mac he wanted to erase data on his HDD, he read this article and did, but the mac stuck on recovery page (actually he create an OSX Base System on whole of HDD) and his couldn't fix it and sold it. I tried to fix it, but I realized it has firmware password when I hold ALT key, and any command has disable lick reset Nvram, COMMAND+R and ... it just goes to recovery page automatically.
I texted him and asked about password and iCloud, he said I never set a password on it, he doesn't know anything about firmware password! and said I checked it in my iCloud, and it is removed! He said my default password on my MacBook was abc123 and I used it for all the time. Also said for wipe my HDD I did whatever was advised in that article link I sent you.
it's weird how it possible? Does anyone have any idea? Thanks.

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[chscag]

Welcome to our forums.

Without knowing the firmware password, you now have a useless MacBook Pro for which you can do nothing. The only way that password can be removed is by Apple and before they do that they will need to see the original purchase receipt and identify the original buyer.

Sorry, we can't help you any further with this.

 

[megan0]

so sad, I found someone on Ebay, they sell the reprogram firmware cheap, I checked my cheap number was same and I asked him that works for my mac, he said yes. (I saw in YouTube there is a device that you can reprogram, but it's expensive like $200 and it works for many MacBook models, but replacement cheap is around $20)
does it work? has anyone experience about this method?

 

[lclev]

I would be highly skeptical buying something from someone on eBay that claims it can reprogram firmware or any device that claims to. That way lies scammers. There is a reason Apple created the firmware password. I am willing to bet who ever you bought it off of knew of the issue and just sold it. If you can't get your money back I am not sure what you can try that won't make things worst. As chscag posted - we can't help you.

Lisa

 

[megan0]

Does anyone know if the original seller has the purchase receipt to prove ownership, do I have to pay Apple to unlock the MacBook or is it free?

 

[lclev]

No one here would know if the original owner has the purchase receipt. You would have to contact them. From what I have experienced with Apple they will not unlock it. Paid or not. They have no idea if it has been stollen. But you can contact them and ask - never hurts. Apple Support: 1-800-275-2273.

 

[megan0]

Update: I ordered a firmware chip online and replace it and it's work fine.

 

[lclev]

Update: I ordered a firmware chip online and replace it and it's work fine.

Oh wow! I am glad that worked out for you. I had no idea you could replace the firmware chip but that is awesome.

Lisa

 

[megan0]

Thanks, I told myself that if I could not bypass the firmware password, I would have to throw it in the trash. So, I ordered a cheap hardware chip for my logic board and soldered it with a hot air gun. I was not sure I could fix it, but I could ;-)

 

[lclev]

I don't like to solder but I have a young friend - steadier hands and better eyes - that has done all my delicate soldering when needed. Sounds like you did the trick and fixed it.

Lisa