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Bios password - Dell 6400 - help :-(

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  • 21-11-2013 8:41pm
    #1
    dodzy
    Registered Users Posts: 9,930 ✭✭✭


    Not stolen, not hookie in any way. A colleague wants me to wipe an old laptop for him and run a fresh install of win 7. Problem is that although I can access the bios pass to get to OS, I cannot change the boot sequence to enable CD boot, as this requires admin access. Any ideas folks ?


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    #2
    Terrlock
    Registered Users Posts: 686 ✭✭✭Terrlock


    Have you tried just calling dell support?

    I know there in India but the should be able to unlock it for you.


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    #3
    bridster007
    Registered Users Posts: 417 ✭✭bridster007


    Removing the CMOS battery for 5 mins usually resets all bios settings including passwords.
    Google how to do it for your machine. Simple on a desktop, I've never done it on a laptop though.


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    #4
    mordeith
    Registered Users Posts: 5,278 ✭✭✭mordeith


    bridster007 wrote: »
    Removing the CMOS battery for 5 mins usually resets all bios settings including passwords.
    Google how to do it for your machine. Simple on a desktop, I've never done it on a laptop though.

    This probably wouldn't work but might be worth trying. Disconnect hardrive and boot. Bios might boot from CD after not finding hd. Re-connect hd and see if it is detected. (As I say this probably won't work)


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    #5
    DaveR1000
    Registered Users Posts: 72 ✭✭DaveR1000


    try pressing f12 on boot - it may give a boot menu


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    #6
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 90,814 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    bridster007 wrote: »
    Removing the CMOS battery for 5 mins usually resets all bios settings including passwords.
    Google how to do it for your machine. Simple on a desktop, I've never done it on a laptop though.
    not a chance

    most Laptops over the last 20 years have stored their passwords in non-volatile memory, because it reduces their value if stolen , flash or silimar

    NB. on some laptops you can wipe the flash, but on IBM thinkpads this will mean you also wipe the checksum so you esentially brick it unless you can reprogram the flash




    In the past Dell would require you to prove you owned the laptop to give you a password, and even then there was no guarantee it would work

    Check if pressing F12 will allow you to PXE boot or choose USB

    Check if there is a recovery partition , do a factory reset for a cleanish install and then upgrade it


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    #7
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Clearing the CMOS won't help on Dell laptops, the password is held in NVRAM as an anti-theft measure. You might be able to get around it by pressing the F12 key to enter the boot menu, if it hasn't been disabled.


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    #8
    williamdonohoe
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 5 ✭williamdonohoe


    remove RAM remove battery remove internal battery remove hard drive plug in power cord turn laptop on then power off reinstall all components this should clear the password hope it helps


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    #9
    unkel
    Registered Users Posts: 64,901 ✭✭✭✭unkel


    williamdonohoe wrote: »
    remove RAM remove battery remove internal battery remove hard drive plug in power cord turn laptop on then power off reinstall all components this should clear the password

    No, this will not clear the BIOS password

    You will need a new master key. This is based on your Dell service tag. Dell can provide this. Alternatively there are some "friendly" people out there on some forums that will generate a key for you. Or provide you with some code you can run yourself to generate a key. I doubt if the last 2 options are fully kosher though :)


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