Bios Password workaround?

[computergeek22]

I had put a password on my old p4 dell and have recently needed to set it up again for a co-worker. The problem is I forgot the password and I tried resetting the cmos and taking out the cmos battery and putting it back in again but the problem is the password keeps coming up. What is weird is that I started it up the first time and I wasn't asked any password but I restarted it and there it was. Is there any work around this by say flashing the bios and how would I do that? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[MaxxuM]

Dell typically has small programs that can reset the BIOS password... Don't know if they all have it but many of my organization's Dells have them. Nice tool.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

just hit the jumper and return all of the BIOS settings to default.

EDIT: Most people say the battery takes a few hours to discharge. Try leaving the battery out overnight...

 

[diablo900t]

You could also pull the CMOS battery to clear the password.

EDIT: Looks like you already tried that, maybe you need to leave it out of the box for a few minutes? Otherwise do what the poster above suggested.

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, Full Metal is correct. You have to leave the batt out several hours to be sure the bios resets. Best is to locate the jumper. Three pins. Move the jumper and the batt is disconnected and the capacitors in the circuit are discharged almost instantaneously. Another point - you must remove the AC power from the machine or BIOS will not reset. Check your manual or the makers site for jumper info. Luck, Jim

 

[Snoop]

Unplug the computer and pull out the cmos battery. Should only take a few minutes.