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XPS L502x Bios Passwd locked
Hello everyone, I have a laptop XPS L502x and due to keyboard problems I misstyped the bios passwd and got it locked, I already called DELL support, proved ownership and they provided a "Master Password" that doesn't work... they also said "If this code doesn't work we cannot help you with this problem"...
As a software developer I really find it hard to believe that a company like DELL would create a lock without a key... I mean, the BIOS passwd is a security feature to prevent others from using the computer, what happens if someone tries to my laptop and locks it? I'm left with an unusable laptop... that doesn't sound very good...
Of course, if there is no solution to this problem this one was my third and last DELL laptop...
ejn63
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June 28th, 2016 07:00
Have you owned the system since it was new? Has the mainboard ever been replaced?
PabloRodX
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June 28th, 2016 07:00
Yes, I'm the first and only owner.
No, nothing has been replaced.
ejn63
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June 28th, 2016 10:00
The code is based on the service tag of the system - if the unlock did not work, there's a fault with the mainboard. That's why I asked if the board had ever been replaced - if it hasn't and the unlock does not work, the board is faulty and will need to be replaced.
It may be the EEPROM chip failed and is corrupted -- but you're likely to find the cost to have that unsoldered, reflashed and reinstalled to be as much or more than the cost of a replacement board.
PabloRodX
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June 28th, 2016 11:00
So... no way to reset passwd, just replacing the mainboard?
Do you happen to know if there is only one mainboard type for this laptop... so if I search for an XPS L502x mainboard online I can buy any of the items or should I search for some number/model on my mainboard?
Thanks for replying!
PabloRodX
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June 28th, 2016 12:00
OK, mine has nVidia.... will look for one of those... and that will be the last Dell product for me!
ejn63
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June 28th, 2016 12:00
There are two different boards - one Intel video, and the other nVidia -- you either need to replace like for like or, to swap you'll need a new heatsink-fan assembly -- and if going from nVidia to Intel, you may need a new power adapter as well (65W will power the Intel board but you need 90W for the nVidia).
ejn63
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June 28th, 2016 16:00
One thought if you haven't tried it -- have you tried using the on screen keyboard or an external USB keyboard to rule out it being a simple faulty keyboard problem?
PabloRodX
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June 28th, 2016 16:00
Yes, I'm using a USB keyboard now... a bit too late though...