toughbook bios password reset

[xgsound]

** resolved 2-23-08 **

*Panasonic toughbook CF-29ETKGZKM. 1.3 Gz PM*

I would like to get this working for the wife's sister. The more I google around, the more it looks like the only option is to contact Panasonic with "proof of purchase". Her husband had the laptop for some time before he passed on, and that was a year ago, so that proof is unlikely. She doesn't want to send it away for fear it would be lost. She would rather keep it as is.

Is there something other that sending it away that anyone can suggest? Does anyone know if the Toshiba parallel dongle applies to this. It won't boot from floppy or CD and the bios, XP, or safe mode can't be entered. This laptop stuff is new to me and I assume the disk could be locked also; but that can be the next problem.

If corrective action shouldn't be posted in the forum please PM me.


Jim
Pittsburgh

 

[Oakenfold]

Originally posted by: xgsound
*Panasonic toughbook CF-29ETKGZKM. 1.3 Gz PM*
She doesn't want to send it away for fear it would be lost. She would rather keep it as is.

Jim,
If the laptop/data on the drive isn't in a usable state then why care if it gets lost?

 

[Captante]

Assuming the data on the hard-drive is what she really wants to get back then the thing to do is remove the drive and install it in desktop PC using an adapter like this which should enable you to read the drives contents.

Then copy all personal files onto the other PC's drive & proceed to send the laptop into Panasonic because aside from physical modification of the motherboard theres no way to clear the CMOS of that model due to the built in security chip unless you get that password ... the usual methods of clearing the CMOS won't work.

Have you at least tried calling Panasonic support & explaining the situation?

 

[xgsound]

Oakenfold: She wants the laptop because it was his, not for the data or even for use. I'm the family "computer guy" so I'm trying to fix it and getting nowhere at a high rate of speed.

Captante: The more I check into it, the more I think you're right that Panasonic will be my only shot. That might be why the USMC uses them. I usually have trouble even getting warranty items fixed, so I'm leaving Panasonic service for last. I've been checking for several days and it looks like calling Panasonic is becoming the only answer. If a repair depot is close enough to drive to, she may get it fixed. Otherwise she will keep it as is like she has for the past year and be happy to have it at home.


Jim
Pittsburgh, PA