Desktop

Ask something
Discussion Locked

bios password

0 helpful
6 replies

by duane6

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

my boss bought 2 P2 workstations that the previous owner passworded the bios. I have to replace the HD but can't get the bios to
auto detect new drives. Any thoughts besides flashing the bios (award V1.0a)?

6 replies

by thechas

On a workstation, you should be able to open the case and locate the Clear CMOS jumper on the motherboard.

Set the jumper to clear,
Power up.
Shut down.
Set the jumper back to normal.

The BIOS settings and password should be at the default settings.

Otherwise, remove the CMOS battery and unplug the PC for at least 1/2 hour to clear the CMOS.

Chas

by glyall

IF YOU CAN NOT FIND THE CMOS JUMPER
YOU CAN REMOVE THE BATTERY FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES
REPLACE THE BATTERYTHE CMOS SHOULD BE CLEARED
THE BOOT PASSWORD SHOULD BE GONE
THIS HAS WORKED FOR ME SEVERAL TIMES

GOOD LUCK

by mikex

There's a program called CMOSKILL it work uder dos perfect you can e-mail me if you can'not find it

by johann2_2

The answers previous to this one are correct but there are some systems that have a built in capacitance battery that will back up your CMOS in case of attempts to bypass the BIOS PW Via removal of the battery. In this case you will need to remove or cross jumper (Short out) your CMOS jumper for at least 24 hours and also have your PC unplugged. I have encountered a situation that required me to actually put a load on the capacitor for a lengthy time in order to clear the CMOS. (Mostly on Laptops Though. In some cases your only option is to flash the BIOS and they almost all charge a fee for this service. I do remember a time when you could flash an award Bios for free, but alas that was a long time ago.

by duane6

Poster rated this answer.
I knew all the above except this idea. This system does have a
cmos backup, so that was the snag I ran into. For a P2 it is easier to upgrade the motherboard than mess around with the cmos
but will try your idea first. I will remember this for future reference.

This discussion is closed to new replies.