disabling power-on-password

I don't know if you should mess with the Bios, So I'll help with the power-off button problem.
In win Xp (I think it's the same in win 98 and win Me) Go to Start/Control Panel/Power Options, and then look for Advanced in power options. There shouldbe something for the power on button.
Back to the Bios
It sound to me that you have a user password for the bios and not a supervisor password or the power-on-pass is not part of the bios. But part of the Os. I need more info. Please.

If it's a dos question (boot time question), so it's a bios password. Simply enter bios, go to setup password, type old password, and type new (blanck) password.
If you don't have the old password, you need to shunt the question. On your pcb is certainly a strap named "bios default". Insert a strap on it, power on, and the all pw will go away. If not, remove battery, wait 24hrs. Go then into bios, load setup default, load bios default.

If working on portable computer, it's harder. On some models, just need to remove any kind on battery, then boot, to empy battery.

If, unluckily, you're having a Toshiba... pay...

You won't shunt you password, it's a paying (150 ?) intervention, from toshiba after sale service.

I am not sure I understand what you are saying. If this is a laptop then it is harder to bypass the power-on password if you do not know what the password is. With a desktop then the quick and sure way is to unplug the the box (computer) from the ACsupply and open the case. Inside you will find a jumper (sometimes marked, sometimes you will have to look in the manual) you can use to remove all bios settings including the pwr-on password. Have no fear you will not hurt anything but you will have to reset the time and date. Is this a newer computer? If not then you may have to set up hard drive detection and so on. If it is a newer model then that will happen automatically.
The better way to fix this problem is to be able to go into the BIOS and disable the user password. The problem with that is that if it has a user password then it may also have an administrator password. You will have to know the Admin password to get into BIOS and the USER password to disable it. Press DEL key after you turn on the PC and while it is doing the POST (self-check) on some PCs the key to press maybe F10, F12 or some other key. In BIOS setup look for the security setup area and disable the password.
If "push comes to shove" you can remove the small 5 cent sized battery, if it uses that common type, set it aside for 5 to 10 minutes, you do not have to wait 24 hours!

Hi,
On some compaq pc's I have seen a jumper on the mainboard to clear passwords. I don't know if your machine has such a jumper but I think it is worth looking for. On the power button issue. With windows 98 and maybe others if you go to the control panel and double click the power management icon then select the advanced tab there you will be able to select the action your power button will use. Also on the power schemes tab, If this is in fact a home pc you should have selected the home/office desk option. Also it should be the F10 key at boot up when the compaq logo is on your screen to enter setup, Which you may have already known. I hope I was of some help to you :) Regards, Gil

i am very sorry i was not precise:
1. its a compaq pentium II desktop with win2k.

i can enter. i know the pass. i can enter bios too.

maybe its really best to use cmos-clear jumper. i have done this a lot.

i cannot enter anything in the password section to make any changes. i type and there is no reaction. maybe this can be changed by enabling something concerning this pass. i think its not a pass in win2k, but i will check this out.
btw: if i try using defrag its asking for administrators rights. what should i do in this case? and does this have to do with my power-problem.

You clear the POWER ON PASSWORD by typing the password, when prompted, followed by a forward slash. Like this: PASSWORD/ except substitute the actual password. Then press enter. You'll see a key with a slash through it which indicates you've disabled the power on password.

Howdy,

Because it is a Compaq, there is very likey a jumper on the motherboard to make it happen. They are very big on network workstation computers and this feature makes it difficult for users to affect machine settings. Firstly, go to the Compaq support site, (now owned and operated by HP), and get the manual for that specific machine. There was, and maybe still is, a barcode sticker on the back with the model number and other specific info as to which one you have. The manual is very easy to follow and will tell you in detail the process of removing that password. . .

i could already crack the other password(network)-problem. see:
https://www.techrepublic.com/forumqa/thread_detail.jhtml?thread_id=128386

i will follow the instructions given here. its a deskpro. pII