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IBM T20 password lock-out

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by dlweaver Jan 3, 2003 last reply Jan 5, 2003

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I've acquired an IBM T20 laptop that some butt-munch setup a BIOS password on and has since forgotten that password. Does anyone out there have any idea's on how I can bypass or reset the password? I can't even boot from the CD since the BIOS settings are set for HDD only. An attempt was made to remove the internal battery but I don't know the duration the battery was left out. Can I remove the the internal battery for like a week and have the machine reset or something along those lines? This laptop is a cherry piece that's useless at this point. Any idea's will be greatly appreciated. You can e-mail me direct at dlwrace@comcast.net or send to davidw@neopart.com. Thanks a bunch for any help.

11 replies

by thechas Jan 3, 2003

Don't know about this model in particular, but for MOST IBM laptops, the only way to reset the password is to have an IBM service center reset it for you.

This is part of an anti-theft scheme. So, to get them to reset the password, you need to also provide proof of ownership.

IBM is NOT the only one doing this for laptop security either.

Chas

by dlweaver Jan 5, 2003

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by joseph moore Jan 4, 2003

I checked IBM's website, and they agree with TheChas' comment.

Now, that aside, the only thing I can think of is when you boot the Thinkpad, hold down F1 to start up the Easy Setup (I have a Thinkpad 600E, and I remember that it has that; I hopeyours does also!).
You can change the password in the setup, but I don't know if you need to enter the password in first BEFORE the setup starts.

But it is at least worth a try!

As for having the battery out, the rule of thumb is you only need to take the battery out for just a couple minutes max; the BIOS clears out by then. So, keeping it out a week shouldn't make any difference.
Now, also look for a jumper somewhere in the area of the battery. Remove that jumper also. Some motherboards require you to remove the jumper instead of the battery to do this.

And so you will know that you aren't alone in this, I knew a guy who always set the BIOS password to be the piston firing sequence for an old Ford he had! It was something like 14386527! He put this on everything (we worked together years ago). It was really annoying!
Good luck!

by dlweaver Jan 5, 2003

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by rboggio1 Jan 5, 2003

Unfortunately you are out of luck. Depending on the Model type you have one of two thing has to occur. Both options require the laptop to go to IBM SERV. One they can clear the BIOS for you with a flash, Two they replace the BIOS. Once the password is set it cannot be removed via dropping the voltage (I.E. removing the battery) to reset it you need the old password first. I have heard that there is a hack on the net, but never found it. The phone number for IBM SERV is 1-800-IBM SERV. As statedearlier they will require proof of ownership.

by dlweaver Jan 5, 2003

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by beermonster Jan 5, 2003

Hi,
I don't hold out much hope but it's worth a try - the IBM aptiva bios could be hacked into by continually pressing both mouse buttons during boot......