Power-on password problem

Eggonaspoon

So yesterday I thought it would be smart to set a password for my new computer (with Windows 2000). Only I made the mistake to create a power-on password instead of a user password. I have no idea how to get rid of this password because when I want to change it I get the notification that I can only change my password when I start up my computer. Problem is when I start up my computer I get no option for resetting my password or cancelling it. All I can do is type in my password…. Any ideas how I can get rid of this password? Thanks!

Ruu_Old

Not sure if this is the right one but go into the BIOS menu and turn it off "Press DEL to enter setup" or whatever key it maybe when you power on the machine at first. There should be an option in one of the tabs to turn it off.

Eggonaspoon

Well I’m a bit apprehensive to go into the BIOS menu cause I don’t know anything about it. I have a record of destroying computers… But how would I do that and could I do any serious damage? By the way, I didn’t set a BIOS password but a start-up/power-on password so would I need to change that in the BIOS menu? Sorry for being so vague and thanks for your help of course!

Karoma

"power on password" = a password that appears within seconds of switching your computer on, yes? If so, that's a 'BIOS password' (Not really anything to do with Windows).

To disable it, you would need to access the BIOS settings (Depending on the BIOS/manufacturer different keys allow you access to these settings. It may tell you on screen what key is required to "Enter Setup" (BIOS Settings = Setup).) The most common keys used: F1, or F2, or Del. As soon as you switch your computer on, keep tapping one of those keys (Start with F1), enter password, enter BIOS settings.

It's menu-driven, so it shouldn't be too difficult to understand. Typically, it tells you on-screen what keys are used to navigate/change values. Look for Security or Password. Change the value to none/blank it. The only real damage that you could do is lock yourself out. So, just take your time and take note of what you are doing and use the on-screen information. Then, save settings and exit.


If you need further assistance, please provide more information such as computer make/model and BIOS version (&possibly photographs of the screen)

Eggonaspoon

Thanks!!! The BIOS thing worked and I got rid of the password (without destroying my new laptop)!

Capt'n Midnight

Moved because its a hardware setting.

Webmonkey

And just for a little more information if you did get stuck or even forgot your password you can always pull the battery out for 10 secs or use the reset cmos jumpers on the board that look obvious to wipe the passwords.