Resetting setup password in BIOS

[Guest_imported]

I bought a second-hand box (Dell Optiplex 166) from our hardware shop at work. I put in an old 1.2Gb Quantum HD and want to tell the BIOS it's there, but the password is enabled. Hardware shop says they don't put passwords on the setup so they don't know what it is. How can I reset the password? I thought removing the battery from the motherboard would work, but it didn't.

 

[Karl Blessing]

well how long of a time did you leave the battery out, and was the computer unpluged at the time?, also did a manaual come with it, some of the older ones have a switch specifically for overriding passwords, also in most computers old and current, there are jumpers when switched will clear the CMOS memmory.

 

[fenris]

There may be a reset jumper on the mobo that would do the trick. The only problem is that it probably isn't labeled. If you have the manual then you should be able to find it.

I have always thought that by removing the battery that it would reset the cmos. But I have read numerous posts that may discredit this belief. I am wondering if you kept the battery out of the machine and unplugged for a couple of hours or say over night would that clear the cmos? It would be interesting to try.

 

[Guest_imported]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'd only kept the battery out for 10 minutes or so, thought that'd be long enough. I'll try out your suggestions and get back to you.

 

[bdux]

search the internet for an application called killcmos . This will reset all cmos settings to the default values and you will be able to get into the cmos once it is run .

 

[jsauce]

There should be a jumper setting if not Removing the battery for a few hours should do it.

 

[Alt255]

Welcome back, John! We've missed your expertise for the past few months.

 

[Guest_imported]

There is a jumper setting, I've gotten this password fixed, thanks to all of you for the advice.

 

[jsauce]

Thanx been very busy, but I think I'm back now. At least for a good while.