BIOS (Bootup) Password is not accepted. Need Your Help!

Question

I don't know what is going on. I just power-up my Dell 4600C this evening and when the boot-up screen show up to ask for the password, I enter the password as usual but it keeps saying that the password is incorrect. After 7 attempts, I get the message, 'System halted. Must power down.' I shut down the computer and waited a few minutes and re-power it. I get he same boot-up screen asking for the password, I enter the password and get the message, 'Number of unsuccessful password attempts: 7 or more. System halted! Must shut down.' What can I do? I know my password is correct because I have it written down. I can't get pass the black screen to do anything. I tired pressing F2 nd F12 at start-up but I still get the same boot-up screen asking for the password. I'm so frustrated .... I hope someone can help me figure this stupid thing out...

loveu2 · Answer

Hi Kaylee27. You are not alone. I have been trying since this morning and have the same stupid issue. I tried rebooting frin the Dell CD and nothing. Let me know if you find a solution.

kirkd · Answer

The operations manual or service manual will show you how to clear the boot-up password. You will need to open the computer to do this. The manuals can be fornd on the Dell Site:

http://support.dell.com/support/systemsinfo/documentation.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~cat=12&~subcat=84

Do you really need to set passwords?

Kaylee27 · Answer

luvu2: I found the solution to my problem. Hopefully this will help you too... Visit:   <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Majestic · Answer

If your system has been in use for a while or has sat unplugged for a period of time during the last couple of years you might consider replacing the motherboard battery.  A failing battery can cause a variety of boot up problems and may in your case be corrupting the BIOS passwording.  A new 3-Volt, CR2032, coin cell battery can be purchased for around $3 (US) and is available at any Radio Shack, computer stores and most discount stores.   Click here < ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> for information on how to replace the battery from the 4600c Service Manual.

breadboard17 · Answer

Hi,

Disconnect all the cables from the back of the tower and press the power button at the front for 5-10 seconds. Then remove the CMOS (Silver Coin Shaped) battery from the motherboard after opening up the system. Leave the system for the next 10-15 seconds and then power up the system. If it still asks for a password, locate the password jumper, remove it and then power up the system. Should be resolved by then.

Regards

AJ

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BIOS (Bootup) Password is not accepted. Need Your Help!

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