Discussion Locked

Poweron Password Change

0 helpful
7 replies
Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

We have a Compaq Armada M300 that was used by one of our managers who left the comapnay. The laptop has a poweron password which we do not know!!! Is there anyway we can reset the password?!

You help is kindly appreciated.

7 replies

by lizzy

Look for the hardware documentation for this PC. There will be information on clearing a power on password in there. It will entail either a jumper switch that needs to be moved for a few minutes or removing the MB battery and replacing it to reset the BIOS. Once you have done that, reboot the PC and it should come up fine. If it asks for a new password, press enter for none.

by lizzy

By replacing the battery, I mean putting it back in. You should not need a new one.

by troubleshootergurl

I suggest going into the Bios at boot up. As soon as you turn the PC on, Press F10 (or one of the F keys) to get into the set up and look for Poweron Password in one of the menus. I believe its in the Security Menu. Cancel the password.

:)

I am just hoping that the Poweron password is not preventing you from accessing the BIOs.

by troubleshootergurl

I was completely wrong. You cannot access the BIOs. I found this on Compaq's website.

Question: How do I clear the Power On Password if it is not known?

Answer:
Clearing Passwords

The power-on password prevents use of the computer until the password is entered. The setup password prevents unauthorized changes to Computer Setup. To clear the passwords, you must remove all power from the system board. If you do not know the passwords, use the following procedure to clear the password:

1. Remove all battery packs from the battery bay and MultiBay, if applicable.

2. Disconnect the AC power.

3. Remove the real-time clock battery.

4. Wait five minutes.

5. Reconnect the AC power.

6. Restart the computer. During Power-On Self Test (POST), a "162 System Options not set" message appears.

7. Shut down the computer, then disconnect AC power again.

8. Replace the real-time clock battery.

9. Install the battery pack(s).

This discussion is closed to new replies.