Not sure on your model number DHP. Sounds like your using Dell's "in house" number rather than one of the more common names assigned to their various systems. My best guess is you have an Optiplex GX system. For that series there is a jumper on the motherboard which can be used to clear forgotten BIOS passwords. Click here for the GX240 Service Manual and the section pertaining to clearing the passwords.
I have been racking my brain on this one. It is a Optiflex GX260 AO6 bios. I have reset the password but it still will not let me pass the screen "strike F1 to retry boot, F2 for setup utility. Is there any way to go around this or erase everything and start over anew?
From your latest description it sounds like the password isn't the problem. I suspect you have a hardware conflict somewhere which is prompting the system for you to enter the BIOS and correct. Since the system isn't giving any error messages on screen, try checking the system's diagnostic lights to see if they will indicate the source of the problem when the F1 - F2 prompt appears at boot. Click here for your model's on-line Service Manual and the section that will explain the diagnostic codes.
I would also suggest clearing the NVRAM which can be useful in resolving boot up issues. After the NVRAM is cleared the system will redetect all the installed hardware and default all the BIOS options back to their recommended factory settings. Click here for a forum FAQ on the topic and follow the instructions listed for your model.
Majestic
9.4K Posts
0
March 11th, 2008 13:00
Not sure on your model number DHP. Sounds like your using Dell's "in house" number rather than one of the more common names assigned to their various systems. My best guess is you have an Optiplex GX system. For that series there is a jumper on the motherboard which can be used to clear forgotten BIOS passwords. Click here for the GX240 Service Manual and the section pertaining to clearing the passwords.
yowill
11 Posts
0
March 11th, 2008 20:00
Majestic
9.4K Posts
0
March 12th, 2008 11:00
From your latest description it sounds like the password isn't the problem. I suspect you have a hardware conflict somewhere which is prompting the system for you to enter the BIOS and correct. Since the system isn't giving any error messages on screen, try checking the system's diagnostic lights to see if they will indicate the source of the problem when the F1 - F2 prompt appears at boot. Click here for your model's on-line Service Manual and the section that will explain the diagnostic codes.
I would also suggest clearing the NVRAM which can be useful in resolving boot up issues. After the NVRAM is cleared the system will redetect all the installed hardware and default all the BIOS options back to their recommended factory settings. Click here for a forum FAQ on the topic and follow the instructions listed for your model.