Password?

[Billie]

Hi Guys,

i need some help. I'm in the midst of reformatting my younger brother computer.
I pretty much am comfortable with it as i've done it a couple of times over the years with my other pc's.
Ok, so when i'm about to start while is DOS mode it asks me for a password? I've never seen this function ever.
What i would like to know is if the password is attainable, if so then where?
Help would me much appreciated.

Billie

[HomeSA]

It could be a BIOS password. I am not sure if removing the battery for say 30 minutes will clear it, but it's worth a try.

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Usually is some jumper to clear it if that's the problem.

[bokory]

this looks like CMOS password if so you have two ways to clear it
the first one as described previously some motherboards lable the jumpers as (PWD) look for it on your m`board, then remove it "sketch where and how exactly they should replaced back later" for about 30 sec.
OR; as some motherboards save it in the battery removing the system board battery also may clear but by doing this will erase all the info in the CMOS so I do not recommend it if you are not very familiar with the CMOS setting utility which any bad configuration will lead your system not to boot..

[mjc]

Everyone, please read...

http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=51222

[Billie]

Thanks guys, MJC i can understand the hesitance in providing such information but it's far more cost effective to attain help from a site such as this than to pay big $$$ for a technician who will do exactly what is advised above.

Technology it's frustrating yet we can't live without it. My brother is appreciative for all advice given.

[HomeSA]

Everyone, please read...[/url]

My apologies. It didn't occur to me that BIOS password questions fall in that category.

[BIOSMAN]

the link provided in the moderator posting was the policy for Microsft passwords not BIOS passwords. check the link for info on [URL=biosman.com/]bios passwords/URL]

[Budfred]

BIOSMAN,

You seem to be here primarily to SPAM your website and business... If you wish to remain a member of PCGuide, please cease and desist... We do not appreciate SPAMmers around here... If that is not your intent, I suggest you contact the owner or moderators to explain why you are here...

[Budfred]

Thanks guys, MJC i can understand the hesitance in providing such information but it's far more cost effective to attain help from a site such as this than to pay big $$$ for a technician who will do exactly what is advised above.

Technology it's frustrating yet we can't live without it. My brother is appreciative for all advice given.

It may be true that getting free advice here is much cheaper than taking the computer to a tech who may or may not know how to solve the problem... However, if it is something that we have said is unethical and that we will not do, lower cost is not relevant... It is certainly also cheaper to steal software rather than pay for it, but you will also not get help for that here...

I am not sure the BIOS password is covered by that policy and we need to review that, but that really isn't the point of your comment...

[jlreich]

the link provided in the moderator posting was the policy for Microsft passwords not BIOS passwords. check the link for info on [URL=bios-password.htmbios passwords[/URL]
From the password thread by Classicsoftware -

provide no assistance of any kind with unauthorized access of password protected computer systems.
BIOSMAN, three out of your four post contain a link to a commercial website. That is considered spam and not welcomed around here. Although I do admit the site may be useful for some, you don't register and start throwing around links to your website. And then on top of that start splitting hairs on a strict forum policy. ;)

If you are here to be a helpful member, or here to get help, welcome the the guide. But if your are here just plug your website, go away. :mad:

EDIT- Budfred is on top of things I see... :p

[HomeSA]

I am not sure the BIOS password is covered by that policy and we need to review that, ........

Please do, amend the policy, and let us all know. I do not want to go where I shouldn't, but that appears to be a gray area.

[PrntRhd]

I don't think it is a gray area, the policy is "we don't help people with opening password protected systems".
If you need help getting past a relatively weak BIOS password you are not very clever as there are quite a few solutions available on the Web, just won't get into the issue on this forum.

[Paul Komski]

I agree with PrntRhd. Anyone computer literate enough to post on this site should be capable of easily solving how to overcome a weak BIOS password by looking round the web and not making an issue of what is (regardless of anyone's individual views) a stated policy here. There are both weak and strong (embedded firmware) mobo passwords and certainly any indication how to overcome the latter would be even more contentious.