Help reset Dell password.

[Negative Design]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I need help fixing a client's laptop and part of the problem is the BIOS/HD password.No matter what I try the pass remains in tact,it seems that clearing the CMOS won't work in this case as Dell supposedly uses EEPROM to store passwords.I read that master passwords exist but I would need to contact Dell for that and I don't think me being a PC Tech would qualify as a customer.

Any ideas of what I can do to reset the BIOS?
the unit is a Dell Inspiron 640M,thanks.

 

[Roguestar]

Take the BIOS battery out and then clear the CMOS. Failing that try updating the BIOS.

 

[Negative Design]

Can update the BIOS if if won't get passed the password screen.As said above I cleared the BIOS and removed the battery and it still doesn't work.The system has been without the battery for a few hours and the password still remains.
Thanks anyways though...

 

[RebateMonger]

Removing the battery won't clear the passwords from recent laptops. You can either search the Web for information on your specific laptop model, or you can call Dell.

 

[WackyDan]

Good luck.... A supervisor password, once set on today's laptops and laptops from up to 2-3 years back can not be wiped. It's a security feature, that in today's world of stolen laptops, was made to be more secure than just resetting the bios.

I can tell you that IBM/Lenovo requires a motherboard replacement, and you can bet that Dell does too.

 

[Negative Design]

I've done some research and it seems that the EEPROM can be shorted from 2 pins,I don't know if I can post the link here or not though...

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: Negative Design
I've done some research and it seems that the EEPROM can be shorted from 2 pins,I don't know if I can post the link here or not though...

I think it should be fine is there anything against that in the rules?

 

[HalfCrazy]

Here is a couple links. Maybe they will help ya.

http://www.biosflash.com/e/bios-passwords.htm

http://www.xs4all.nl/~matrix/mpwlist.html

 

[bacillus]

you need to get your client to call dell and ask for a master password!

for dell to oblige, he/she will have to give proof of ownership to dell ideally by having the original invoice at hand.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: bacillus
you need to get your client to call dell and ask for a master password!

for dell to oblige, he/she will have to give proof of ownership to dell ideally by having the original invoice at hand.

Again... good luck. It won't happen.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: WackyDan

Originally posted by: bacillus
you need to get your client to call dell and ask for a master password!

for dell to oblige, he/she will have to give proof of ownership to dell ideally by having the original invoice at hand.

Again... good luck. It won't happen.

Sure they will, as early as six months ago I recieved a " master password " from Dell. All the client has to do is prove ownership. Dell is good that way, protecting customers from themselves.

pcgeek11

 

[miller1]

Take a look at http://www.dellpassword.net.ms/ it works

 

[Negative Design]

Originally posted by: miller1
Take a look at http://www.dellpassword.net.ms/ it works

I am currently doing that method,I still haven't finished it though.I will get back to you all after I do and report back.

 

[btcomm1]

Did it work or not?

 

[Negative Design]

Originally posted by: btcomm1
Did it work or not?

I will get back to you after it is complete.

 

[btcomm1]

I know you said you would get back to us, it's just been a while so incase you haven't responded because you forgot, here is a reminder hehe.

If you're still working on it then sorry to bug you.

 

[Negative Design]

Originally posted by: btcomm1
I know you said you would get back to us, it's just been a while so incase you haven't responded because you forgot, here is a reminder hehe.

If you're still working on it then sorry to bug you.

Actually I haven't forgotten....I've just been realll lazy lol.I will do it...one day I hope my client doesn't get mad lol.I've have the unit stripped for weeks now and no battery on so I'm hoping that would be to my advantage.

Don't worry I will update you once I've done it...I should be doing it soon since I've finished my other clients units and have some free time.