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bios password

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by lunat

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Hello,
I have a Gateway LapTop – SOLO PRO 9300.
The problem I’m facing is :-
I had set up a user password to enter the Bios system.

I wanted to enable the infrared port. So I went into Bios and tried to change the infrared port to enable from disabled. I could not do it because it was saved with a system supervisor password.
I tried to remove the password completely. This is how I did it :-
In the Bios, I went to user password, and selected change password. I entered the oldpassword, then at the slot where it asked enter new password – I entered “enter” and then to reconfirm new password – I again entered “enter”.
Now the problem is, when I want to enter the Bios, it will ask for a password. Though I just press enter it will not go into it. It will also not boot and go into windows.
I have stripped the computer and removed the Cmos battery, and then re-loaded after about two hours. It still did the same thing.
What could thepassword be or how do I enter into the Bios???
Please help!!!!!
Thanks
Ismail Lunat
lunat@zamnet.zm

6 replies

by mc_user

Your message states that you changed the bios user password to the word "enter"

Pressing the enter key is not equivalant to typing in the word "enter." When you press the enter key you send a certain set of control characters to the PC, not the literal word "enter."

I would suggest removing all batteries from the pc and letting it sit for at least 6 to 8 hours.
I might even let it sit for a full day before going back to it.

If this does not reset all of the bios passwords then youneed to contact Gateway tech support for instructions. Some manufacturers have backdoor bios passwords burned into the chip that can get you around this problem. You'll need to contact the manufacturer to find out.

by novellred

Most boards have a mechanical solution, that is why the cases are lockable. Look in the board's documentation for a jumper or a dip switch setting that disables the password. Turning the speaker wire connector 180 degrees worked on old IBM PS2s. Different manufactures use different techniques but most have some way to physically get around the password.

by amr_ahmed40

There will be a jumper on the motherboard marked "Clear BIOS". The BIOS password is stored on an EPROM that is powered by a capacitor that is in turn powered by the Battery. Although you removed the battery, you did not allow sufficient time to allow the capacitor to discharge. Placing the jumper on the two pins I mentioned earlier discharges the capacitor.

Hope that helps

by hal 9000

However it does mean that you need your M'Board book if you have it then no real problems if not and you know the name/model of the M'Board simply go and downlaod the manual from the manafacturer. It is always best pratices to always retain any paperwork that comes with the computer no matter how unlikely it appears to be even something as simple as the paper strip over the flap of a flat bed scanner shows you how to unlock it.

by hal 9000

Just why would you even think about seting a BIOS password? What security pratice does it solve? Do you really think that someone is going to steal your LT and then only change the BIOS? The only time I have ever encounted BIOS PASWORDS was on cheaply built computers where the builder made an attempt to get the machine returned to them for any upgrade/service work. Now this is fine while under warantie {well not really} but at least your not paying. Only a fool would activate this as it simply has no security application all it actually does is to make it hard for someone to actually fix the mess! Now having said that you not only have to remove the CMOS Battery but also the LT battery after all it does run on batteries then if there is a clear BIOS jummper set it to clear. That is if you can find it and if it is mentioned in the book that came with the LT. If it isn't then simply remove ALL the batteries and leave it that way for a few days then just maybe things will be back to the default settings.

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