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Unable to access BIOS Menu or Windows

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3 replies

by trish95

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I aquired a Dell Optiplex GM+. I donated it to someone in need,when I took it to them, the machine was running perfect.
The person claims she did not do anything to the system, however, she is unable to get into the start up, Dos, or Bios...
While the boot up process is running, it stops at the memory count- all ok.. then it stops and asks for a password.
She tried to use the Win98 start up disk, but the same message.
I have researched the Dell site for help, but to no avail.
My cure all is to take the battery out and let it sit for 24 hrs in order to reset everything... but not wanting to drive the hr or so to the person's home, I tried to explain to her in great detail, how to do it. BIG mistake... this person is so computer illiterate though.
Is there anyone who can help?
Thank you all.
Trish

3 replies

by syscokid

It sounds like someone inadvertently set the BIOS password and unless you can get somebody onsite ( a friend? a neighbor?) to pull the battery or maybe a jumper on the motherboard, I'm afraid you'll have to saddle up the horse!

Or have her contact a local computer shop.

by timwalsh

It sounds like somehow, a BIOS password was introduced into the system. Without it, she won't be able to get into BiOS setup or any further in the boot routine (this password prompt will occur BEFORE any attempt is made to access boot devices.On the GM+ motherboard, there is a jumper to enable/disable the password function. The following webpage explains the process for removing the system password:

http://premiersupport.dell.com/docs/dta/stingm/00000037.htm

(remove any embedded spaces from the URL)

If this person is unable to understand your instructions on finding the battery, she probably won't find the jumper either.

Sorry, it sounds as ir you need to make a trip.

by trish95

I knew that is what the answer would be. Thank you all. Gotta go saddle up.. haha

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