Just got a used Dell, but cant reformatt

[fsstrike]

When I start up my Dell OptiPlex GX260 that I got used from a friend, I try to reformatt it but it does not allow me to Boot from CD because I do not have the valid bios password. My friend doesnt know the password and the technical support has expired so I cant call Dell for help. I tried resetting the CMOS by taking the battery out for a few minutes but I still cannot change the boot order due to a missing password. Is there anything I can do to reformatt this computer?

I can enter Windows already on the existing hard drive, but it doesnt allow me to create or delete any partitions.

Is there a way I can get around these problems?

 

[ElFenix]

if you hit F12 it makes a boot menu, at least on mine it does.

 

[InlineFour]

there should be a jumper to reset the cmos.

 

[bamacre]

You could use a windows 98 boot disk, the system should boot from floppy if its inserted. Format the drive using whatever (fat32) using fdisk. Then remove the floppy, insert the windows cd, and boot it up. It'll probably boot using the CD since there will be no OS on the HD. Then you can reformat to NTFS (assuming this is an XP install).

But you will really want to get that BIOS password out of there sometime. BTW - what model is this Dell?

 

[ValuedCustomer]

install the drive in another machine as a secondary then format.

 

[dBTelos]

Originally posted by: ValuedCustomer
install the drive in another machine as a secondary then format.

Have fun trying to get it to boot to a CD to install a OS.

 

[ND40oz]

I don't think there's a clear cmos jumper on most dells. I'd pull the battery and let it sit overnight, that should clear it, I've had to do it on a few free dells i've gotten from other departments in the past.

 

[fsstrike]

Originally posted by: bamacre
You could use a windows 98 boot disk, the system should boot from floppy if its inserted. Format the drive using whatever (fat32) using fdisk. Then remove the floppy, insert the windows cd, and boot it up. It'll probably boot using the CD since there will be no OS on the HD. Then you can reformat to NTFS (assuming this is an XP install).

But you will really want to get that BIOS password out of there sometime. BTW - what model is this Dell?

Dell OptiPlex GX260

Is there a common Dell password that is default on all Dell Mobos?

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: fsstrike

Originally posted by: bamacre
You could use a windows 98 boot disk, the system should boot from floppy if its inserted. Format the drive using whatever (fat32) using fdisk. Then remove the floppy, insert the windows cd, and boot it up. It'll probably boot using the CD since there will be no OS on the HD. Then you can reformat to NTFS (assuming this is an XP install).

But you will really want to get that BIOS password out of there sometime. BTW - what model is this Dell?

Dell OptiPlex GX260

Is there a common Dell password that is default on all Dell Mobos?

No, it would have been set by the owner. You may be able to find out how to reset the cmos and/or password here...
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/ug/index.htm

 

[zagood]

Originally posted by: bamacre

No, it would have been set by the owner. You may be able to find out how to reset the cmos and/or password here...
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/ug/index.htm

Good link. I found out how to do it in about 30 seconds.

-z

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: zagood

Originally posted by: bamacre

No, it would have been set by the owner. You may be able to find out how to reset the cmos and/or password here...
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/ug/index.htm

Good link. I found out how to do it in about 30 seconds.

-z

Sweet.

FYI, this is the mother link...

http://support.dell.com/support/systems...documentation.aspx?c=us&cs=&l=en&s=gen

Damn good info on every Dell system.