Locked out of BIOS, please advice

  • Thread starter Thread starter Luna
  • Start date Start date
L

Luna

My BIOS is password protected, but for some reason I
can't recall the password. Any idea on how I can override
that, so I can get into the BIOS? Thanks
 
Contact the manufacturer of your computer for
support assistance. You cannot "override" a BIOS password.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| My BIOS is password protected, but for some reason I
| can't recall the password. Any idea on how I can override
| that, so I can get into the BIOS? Thanks
 
You can clear the bios back to the default settings (including removing the
password) by finding the right jumper on the computers motherboard.

This is usually the one closest to the BIOS chip itself (AWARD, AMIBIOS
etc). Sometimes if you are really lucky the jumper is labelled "ClearCMOS".

James
 
Easiest way pop the battery out on the motherboard. Normally looks like a
huge watch battery. With the battery out for about 5 minutes the bios will
lose all its settings including the password. Draw back is once the battery
is back in you have to set the date, time, and let the bios re-configure the
hardware.
 
I don't know whether its true or not, but i was told when i was younger not
to handle those sorts of batteries as it causes them to loose their charge.

Probably an old wives (IT consultants) tale!

Still each to their own. I don't normally have 5 minutes to wait for the
memory to be cleared.

James.
 
5 minutes is usually the max amount of time. I have some had some computer
that as soon as the battery is removed it wipes the bios settings. Just
stubborn old machines seem to like the 5 minute rule. But most those have
jumpers, but if you can't find the motherboard manual or the jumper its a
easy way. Never heard of batteries losing there charge from handling. But
then again if you've had to replace one how are you suppose to replace it
with out handling the new one? Its not like they come with the tabs that
some hearing aid and watch batteries come with.
 
Back
Top