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Joshuatlarson

3 Posts

21713

September 3rd, 2005 18:00

BIOS RESET

Hi,
I have a Dell tower Model DHM and it has a BIOS pwd that no one in the office knows and is useless to us. I have removed the C-Mos battery (looks like a watch battery) to try to reset it, but can't find a jumper. Does anyone know how I can bypass this to reset it so I can use the PC?
Thanks,
Josh

Majestic

9.4K Posts

September 4th, 2005 10:00

I'm not quite sure which Dell model you have.  "DHM" definitely isn't a model of the Dimension line of systems. 
 
Removing the battery from the motherboard will clear the NVRAM/CMOS along with any forgotten BIOS passwords.  Chances are when you tried, you didn't discharge the remaining electrical current on the motherboard.  Until this residual charge is discharged, the BIOS will retain all its settings and passwords.  Just do this.....
 
With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard.  Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for several seconds to dissipate any remaining electrical charge on the motherboard.  Then re-install the battery, plug the machine back into the wall and boot the system back up.
 
Keep in mind by doing this method the time and date will need to be reset and all BIOS settings will be defaulted back to the way they were when the system shipped from the factory.  Most Dell models have a jumper on the motherboard as you previously mentioned.  Without knowing your model number it is difficult to point you to the proper documentation.  The jumper method of resetting the passwords will do just that and won't default the other BIOS settings if that is a concern.
 
Ceri.... sorry if it seems I am duplicating your posting.  I started typing my response and stopped midway through to let the dog out.  After submitting I saw that you replied as well.   Glad to see that you are now recommending the discharging of the motherboard by use of the On button instead of leaving the battery removed.  It's a much quicker method. 

Message Edited by Majestic on 09-04-2005 06:58 AM

ceri sheeran

1.7K Posts

September 4th, 2005 10:00

Hi,

Dell tower model

DHM
 
Never heard of it.
 
Check the tower more carefully and stickers on rear for details of the machine, then someone can help point you  to the correct place.
 
Check for further details such as the Dell Service Tag, number 5 to 7 digit alpha numeric sequence. 
 
Removing the motherboard battery, also needs you to press the on button to discharge any residual power in BIOS normally held up by the BIOS battery
 
Replace the battery with a new one.
 
Take anti static precautions whilst working inside your computer.
 
edit for typing error
 
hth
 
Ceri.

Message Edited by ceri sheeran on 09-04-2005 12:42 PM

Joshuatlarson

3 Posts

September 5th, 2005 18:00

Optiplex GX260

 

I tried all that.

Majestic

9.4K Posts

September 6th, 2005 11:00

Aaaah..... Optiplex, no wonder.  Click here for the on-line User Guide for the Optiplex GX260 and the section pertaining to the motherboard jumper for clearing passwords. 

Joshuatlarson

3 Posts

September 6th, 2005 17:00

That worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Majestic

9.4K Posts

September 7th, 2005 13:00

Glad to hear it worked and thanks for posting back with an update.  In the future if you experience a BIOS related problem with your work computer there is a specific BIOS forum for the Optiplex product line.  That forum can be found by clicking here.   It's not that we don't enjoy answering your questions here, but since it is a business machine there are some slight differences from the Dimension line of home systems.

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