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94319
November 28th, 2009 04:00
Inspiron BIOS password reset
I have recently bought an Inspiron 1501. It boots into Windows, I have done a clean install of windows (vista home premium x86) with the COA key on the sticker at the bottom of the chasis, I am also able to access the boot options by pressing F12 on boot...BUT I cannot access the BIOS, there is a password. I can no longer contact the original owner, I have called Dell tech support to no avail, I have flashed to most recent BIOS, removed CMOS battery and nothing has worked.
i do not get the grey screen, it boots just fine, I just cannot access the BIOS because of the password. After some searching I have come across the mention of svctag.exe but I have had no luck finding a current version.
Any suggestions? Need anymore info?
ejn63
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87.5K Posts
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November 28th, 2009 04:00
The only way to remove the password is to obtain the master password from Dell. This requires a support call ($50 in the US if you're out of warranty) and that you prove you own the system - if you bought it second-hand, contact the registered owner BEFORE you call for support and have them transfer the ownership into your name.
If you cannot prove ownership, you'll need to replace the mainboard:
http://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=3845
bobbytomorow
2 Posts
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November 28th, 2009 11:00
Thanks for the reply but you got to be kidding me. I have full access to the hard disk, I can boot into Windows, I have even done a clean install so its not like any of the data is being protected, the only thing that the BIOS password is doing is providing me with a major annoyance and theres no way around that other than replacing the mainboard? That is ridiculous.
What about my mention of svctag.exe? Would that be of any assistance?
ejn63
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87.5K Posts
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November 28th, 2009 11:00
Only Dell can turn the service tag into the master password. It'll cost you $50 if you can prove ownership to Dell, or a mainboard if you cannot.
ejn63
9 Legend
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87.5K Posts
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December 9th, 2009 11:00
If you bought it used, be sure the owner transferred ownership to your name - if you cannot prove ownership, Dell will not issue you the password.
In that case, you'll be in for a $250-300 mainboard.
jdob28
2 Posts
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December 9th, 2009 11:00
This is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard of! I just got done arguing with Dell tech support and they won't budge on the out of warranty issue. $49 to get into my bios!! I won't do it. I don't recall ever seeing the password in any of the paperwork that came with my laptop, so it is ridiculous that just because I never needed to get into my bios before the warranty ran out, I would now have to pay for the password Dell put on my laptop. I will never buy any product made by Dell again as long as I live.
hrova
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2.2K Posts
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December 9th, 2009 12:00
"I don't recall ever seeing the password in any of the paperwork that came with my laptop, so it is ridiculous that just because I never needed to get into my bios before the warranty ran out, I would now have to pay for the password Dell put on my laptop. "
Dell does not ship laptops with a BIOS password enabled. Someone must have put the password on.
mastermindit
2 Posts
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July 22nd, 2011 02:00
To remove Dell laptop bios password or hard drive password the best service I have found is www.unlockbiosrecovery.com they have a phone number that people answer in case you get stuck. They service ASUS, Acer, Dell, HP, Compaq, Fujitsu-Siemens, Samsung, Sony laptops. They only charge $20 for a master password and guarantee to unlock your bios or hard drive or your money back.