Reseting password on a bios

[Frank M]

The other day I was cleaning out my attic and found one of my older computers, and wanted to hook it up to see if it would play some older ms-dos based games. So anyhow, I powered it up and noticed that it wouldn't boot up without a password. I was wondering if there is anyway to reset the password from the BIOS.

[Ari]

Have you tried taking the CMOS battery out for a few minutes? That should reset the BIOS and the password with it, I think.

There are less brutal methods, though.

[Dustin]

I was able to reset my BIOS password simply by going into the BIOS, and selecting the "password delete" option. Smooth sailing from there. If yours doesn't have that option, Ari's suggestion would be feasible.


Good Luck

[Great Hierophant]

I was able to reset my BIOS password simply by going into the BIOS, and selecting the "password delete" option. Smooth sailing from there. If yours doesn't have that option, Ari's suggestion would be feasible.

Rather defeats the purpose of a password, doesn't it, if it can be bypassed so easily.

[shad0wfax]

Many motherboards have a dedicated jumper for the "clear CMOS" function, and this would clear also any passwords. But if yours hasn't one (or you simply don't know which one it is), try Ari's suggestion.

[Frank M]

Okay thanks, I'll try it out tonight.

[Dustin]

I was able to reset my BIOS password simply by going into the BIOS, and selecting the "password delete" option. Smooth sailing from there. If yours doesn't have that option, Ari's suggestion would be feasible.

Rather defeats the purpose of a password, doesn't it, if it can be bypassed so easily.

I agree, I have yet to come accross another computer that carries that feature. The computer was strange in that on it's case it said the manufacturing company was called "BIOS". It wasn't too relieable, but for $25 at a flea market, I got some use out of it.

[Fancia]

Depending on the model or manufacturer, there may be a default password that you can use. Check the BIOS it's using, and Google for 'biosname password' or something along those lines.