Default BIOS Password

[myles]

Hi All. I have an xp system laying about i dont use much anymore. I decided
i want to install linux on to it. The BIOS is set not to boot from floopy or
cd and boot straight from the hard drive, and i cant get to the BIOS to
change this setting as there is a password which i dont know. Therefore
cannot reinstall windows or linux. Any ideas would be great.
myles

 

[Pen]

in message

Hi All. I have an xp system laying
about i dont use much anymore. I
decided i want to install linux on to
it. The BIOS is set not to boot from
floopy or cd and boot straight from
the hard drive, and i cant get to the
BIOS to change this setting as there
is a password which i dont know.
Therefore cannot reinstall windows or
linux. Any ideas would be great.
myles

If it's a desktop, then removal of the
BIOS/CMOS battery should
clear the BIOS. If it's a laptop you
will have to go to the maker
for a password. They'll require proof of
purchase if you're
not the registered owner.

 

[myles]

yeah thanks, just said up on that. bit tired now, gonna try in the morning
;S

 

[GlowingBlueMist]

Hi All. I have an xp system laying about i dont use much anymore. I
decided i want to install linux on to it. The BIOS is set not to boot
from floopy or cd and boot straight from the hard drive, and i cant
get to the BIOS to change this setting as there is a password which i
dont know. Therefore cannot reinstall windows or linux. Any ideas
would be great. myles

On some systems you can default the BIOS to factory settings by using a
jumper on the motherboard or with the power cord removed you might be able
to remove the BIOS battery and wait for a couple of minutes.

Some brands of motherboards can be reset using programs downloaded from the
motherboard builder.

On a few of them the only way to remove the password protection is to
reload/replace the BIOS chip.