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Unable to Reset Dell BIOS

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7 replies

by techinca

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I have a user who enabled a BIOS password on a Dell Latitude CPX-J laptop and now can not get back into it. I've tried removing the CMOS battery, but it still did not reset the BIOS password. I have a bootable BIOS flash CD, but can't use that either since the password comes up immediately, any ideas?? Thanks!!

7 replies

by lathe

I had a similer experience with a Compaq Laptop
Remove the CMOS battery and keep it for a while, for safe side remove the system battery as well, keep it for more than half an hour or so.

All the best

by dpalsen

I haven't had to do it on a Dell, but I can tell you that on the Compaq series, they had three batteries, one system, one BIOS, and one backup BIOS. Make sure you remove all three.

by dpalsen

Forgot...there was also a certain order to remove them and replace them, and you had to leave them all out for about 1/2 an hour before putting it all back together.

by techinca

Thanks for the tip, but I've also tried that as well. I'm in the process of looking up Dell's MB configuration. They have some jumpers on there with the ability to reset the passwords...the trick is just finding them!

by techinca

Finally found the solution. For those who want to know...you have to remove the casing, all the IDE cables and the expansion riser card and then you will see a Password Safe jumper. Reset that, boot up, and the BIOS is cleared. Put the cables andH/W back in and you can now boot w/o the password protected BIOS. Gotta love Dell! Thanks for all the input for those who responded!

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