Clearing Forgotten Passwords

Question

Wish to change settings in Dimension 2400 but my BIOS Supervisor Password was entered so long ago I simply cannot remember it. Have followed steps in User Guide (turning off,removing jumper, turn on again etc) but still hasn't cleared although I only seem to have 2 jumper pins ,not 3 as indicated in 1 response. Can anyone help me please?

Endeeo · Answer

Thanks Majestic but I've already downloaded the User guide( in fact 2 versions HMTL & pdf - they differ) and neither procedure helped. The jumper was on BOTH pins when I opened up which was a surprise. I've tried:

1.PC off, remove&replace jumper both pins, turn on, off @ Desktop remove/replace jumper then on.

2.PC off,remove jumper,turn on, off @ Desktop replace jumper on both pins then on.

3PC off, move jumper to either pin, turn on, off @Desktop replace jumper both pins.

No more options/combinations left!

Majestic · Answer

Click here for the on-line version of your model's User Guide and the section pertaining to clearing the passwords.  With your system the jumper is originally stuck on one pin only to keep from losing it.  When the need arises to clear the password you then put the jumper on both pins.  After the password is cleared you then mount the jumper back on to one pin only to keep from losing it.  Hopes this helps. Message Edited by Majestic on 03-01-2005 08:36 AM

Endeeo · Answer

Thanks Majestic. Sounds challenging but I'll give it a go although will it mess up all my settings as I'm never confidant that my Backing up procedures are 100% reliable?

Majestic · Answer

Well, it wouldn't be the first time there was mis-information in the User Guides, sorry about that. If all else fails then it time to remove the battery from the motherboard. Just follow the procedure I've listed below and it will definately clear the passwords. After the battery is re-installed you will have to reset the time and date for the system.

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 machine up.

Majestic · Answer

Other than the time and date the only other settings that may change are for the integrated audio and video.  If you haven't installed a separate sound card or video card there shouldn't be a problem.   This happens because the battery removal will default all the BIOS settings.  If you haven't made any hardware changes then the default settings are what you are using now anyways.

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Clearing Forgotten Passwords

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