computer startup

[allge]

I am attempting to reformat an older 486 IBM computer. When I turn the computer on I get a dos looking dialog box requesting a “password”. This dialog box appears even with a startup disk inserted in the “A” drive, which is a 3 ½ floppy drive. This computer belonged to my Dad and has been out of use for approximately a year since he upgraded to a different computer. Neither he nor I know what the password might be nor do we recall ever seeing this dialog box before. Is there a way to get around such a password request that I might start the computer in the existing Windows 95 mode, which is the operating system or via a startup disk? Thank you for you help. Regards, Gary

[iisbob]

Before your sytems boots to the OS, go into the BIOS settings and make sure there is no password set. Usually you can get into the BIOS by pecking on the " delete " key as the system first turns on; if this doesn't work you may have to try the F1, or F10 key to find the proper link for entering your BIOS.

Luck! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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iisbob
"Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run."

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." --Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

[Dinosaur]

I am not absolutely sure of this, but you might have to bypass or remove the Motherboard battery.

If the computer is protected via a CMOS password, going into setup will not allow you to change or ignore the password unless you know what the password is. Catch 22 has gotcha.

The only way around this is to force the CMOS to forget it ever had a password. This can be done by shutting off the battery power to the CMOS and allow the memory to fade away. Some systems have jumpers allowing you to disconnect the battery. Others require removing it.

I do not think that removing and later restoring battery power will lose the BIOS or other data required for system functioning.

I would research the above before trusting me, unless the system is no good to you anyway.

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Gouverneur
Eschew Obfuscation!
If one hundred million people believe a foolish idea, it is still a foolish idea.

[Paleo Pete]

Yep, that sounds about right, BIOS password. The above suggestions should take care of it.

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