Thanks for the post. It sounds like your system has a BIOS level password. These passwords will prompt before windows and prevent he system from booting to the hard drive or other media. Check out page 9-10 of the service manual, linked below, for details of clearing BIOS / system passwords on the Vostro 430.
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
1. Follow the procedures in 'Before Working inside Your Computer'. (See manual)
2. Remove the Cover.
3. Locate the 3-pin password connector (PSWD) on the system board.
4. Remove the 2-pin jumper plug from pins 2 and 3 and place it on pins 1 and 2.
5. Wait for approximately five seconds to clear the password.
6. Remove the 2-pin jumper plug from pins 1 and 2 and replace it on pins 2 and 3 to enable the password feature.
DELL-Shawn B
3 Apprentice
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December 16th, 2014 12:00
Hi advanooststoom,
Thanks for the post. It sounds like your system has a BIOS level password. These passwords will prompt before windows and prevent he system from booting to the hard drive or other media. Check out page 9-10 of the service manual, linked below, for details of clearing BIOS / system passwords on the Vostro 430.
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
1. Follow the procedures in 'Before Working inside Your Computer'. (See manual)
2. Remove the Cover.
3. Locate the 3-pin password connector (PSWD) on the system board.
4. Remove the 2-pin jumper plug from pins 2 and 3 and place it on pins 1 and 2.
5. Wait for approximately five seconds to clear the password.
6. Remove the 2-pin jumper plug from pins 1 and 2 and replace it on pins 2 and 3 to enable the password feature.
7. Replace the Cover.
Vostro 430 - Manuals & documentation
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/vostro-430/manuals
Clearing Notebook & Desktop BIOS Passwords
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/t/19600657
Thanks,