bios settings

[baileys]

hi,can anyone help please,i have a pc that will not start after someone messed with it.the computer will not pass the configuration settings and i cant access them because its asking for a password that i do not know, is there any way that i can bypass this password.

any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in anticipation.

[gammaray]

you can only access the password if you log on as the administrator...but you can't log on without the password...Hmmm? if it's a boot volume issue you may not have the updated service packs installed

You cold try restarting the computer in safe mode and then defaulting to the previous safe settings.

[rojash]

As you've headed your question "bios settings" I assume that you mean you have a problem with the system BIOS configuration. There is a way to reset the CMOS memory to its ex-factory state which should remove any password that's been set.

It involves shorting two pins on the motherboard, so before you can go any further you need to know the make of motherboard. If you have the manual for the motherboard it will have a diagram showing the position of all the jumpers, including these pins.

If you don't have the manual you could try posting the motherboard make and model here, or visit the manufactuerers website to obtain the info.

[peanut]

not likely to work but ive seen the prompt for a password come up but there is no password actually there and just pressing enter will work.

[j2buttonsw]

As a note to rojash, if it is a BIOS reconfiguration question you can reset the BIOS by removing the CMOS battery then replacing it on your mainboard. This will rest the BIOS to factory default without you having to find what headers on the mainboard you have to short to do a BIOS reset. The CMOS battery is like the size of a 2p bit (actually smaller but there is only one thing that looks like that on a mainboard that can be removed with ease). It will reset the date to Jan 1 1990 or something when it has been done.

[spacechimp]

There are manufacturer default passwords for BIOS; I had this same problem before. If you tell me the name of the BIOS I could try and find it. :|

[spacechimp]

Found the/a list. http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000451.htm *wow*

[rojash]

As a note to j2buttonsw. Some motherboards store passwords not in CMOs memory but in flash memory, specifically so that they are not cancelled by a failed battery. Your solution will work on many motherboards, mine will work on all of those plus most of the rest.

[baileys]

thanks for all the help,its all been usefull.had to resort to removing the battery from the motherboard.it did the trick,but wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

thanks again.

[j2buttonsw]

rojash: yes, you are quite right.