dell dimension bios password(i think)

[ckes101]

Hello friends and thank you for taking the time to read my thread. A friend of mine brought to me a dell dimension 2400 after i(much now to my regret) offered to amaze him with my PC repair skills(i know i am a fool). Anyway upon booting up the dell gives the message "detecting ide hard drive" immediately after this(and only this message nothing else) i get "enter system password" i just thought to my self...mmm i will remove the CMOS battery and move jumper to reset and all will be well. Despite doing all this and leaving the CMOS battery out for 1 hour whenever i boot i get the same message. And guess what?? My friend has forgotten the password. The fate of this beast lies in your hands!! does it go to the tip? Or can we work some tek tips magic?? Any help greatly appreciated. Ow yes and just one more thing..i don't think i will open my big mouth next time a mate has a PC related problem!!

 

[G0AOZ]

Never tried this on a Dell... Maybe you need to leave it a lot longer than an hour. Make sure the mains power lead is disconnected and try a couple of days without the battery connected. It's possible the motherboard capacitors are in such good shape they're keeping the CMOS alive a lot longer than the hour you've tried already.

Good luck.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[cjelec]

Try typing "Dell" as the password.

I've never tried it but the site below (on a different page) said that it works...

Otherwise, have a look at:

Dell BIOS Reset instructions:

http://www.tech-faq.com/dell-bios-password.shtml

The page contains a link to Dell's technical manuals, which gives you the mobo layout...

 

[wahnula]

In XP, there is an Administrator account available only in Safe Mode. Many times, this password is left blank, or is something silly like "Dell" or "admin". Once you are in as admin the world is yours. I have amazed mt friends with this one, as when I set up their PCs I choose my same password or if it's a new friend it's probably blank. Working on one right now that had a blank admin password...no more! It has now joined my extended network family.

Tony

"If it can't take it, I don't want it

 

[electronicsfreak]

When you took the battery out and crossed the jumper , did you unplug the computer first?

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon

 

[electronicsfreak]

Sorry goaz, just realized you had suggested that.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon

 

[G0AOZ]

No worries electronicsfreak... I always say it's better to say something twice than never to say it at all.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[ckes101]

hi Guys..thanks for all the posts. I have removed the cmos battery and i am going to leave it out for 48 hours. The power cord is unplugged. I will report back the outcome..thanks again

 

[electronicsfreak]

While you have it unplugged, press the power button and hold it till you see the lights go out to make sure all power is gone.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon