laptop BIOS password is more secure than a traditional desktop to help protect the data if it was stolen. If you are the owner of the laptop, it recommend contacting the manufacturer of the laptop Companies such as Dell, Lenovo, and Toshiba can reset the password if you are the original owner using the Service Tag, disk, or give you exact steps for your laptop.
If you are not the original owner of the laptop, there are some ways to bypass the password depending on the manufacture and model of the laptop.
You can attempt to get a 5 to 8 character code from the computer, which may be usable to clear the BIOS password.
- As the computer is booting, press F1, F2, or Del to enter CMOS setup.
- In the CMOS setup, when prompted for a password, guess three times until you're given the code. If, after entering the wrong password three times, the computer is displaying a 5 to 8 character code, as shown in the picture, continue to the next step.
- Write down the code and visit Dogbert's BIOS Password Backdoors scripts page to download Python and the free Python scripts to clear many of these types of passwords.
If there is no code is displayed, try the next suggested solution.
Clear by dip switches, jumpers, jumping BIOS, or replacing BIOS
If the above suggestions do not apply to your laptop, you need to open the laptop and clear the password using dip switches or jumpers. You may also be able to jump the BIOS using a paperclip, by soldering a wire to pins on the BIOS, or replacing the BIOS chip.
The location of dip switches or jumpers on the motherboard depends on the brand and model of your laptop. Check the technical documentation for your
laptop and contact the manufacturer to determine which motherboard is in your laptop. Search the Internet for that motherboard model for a technical diagram of where components are located, including the dip switches or jumpers for resetting the BIOS.
Which step you take depends on the manufacturer and model of your laptop computer. For most end users, we highly recommend having the laptop serviced by a qualified technician who can properly disassemble a laptop.
Contact laptop manufacturer
If the above steps do not help remove the CMOS password for your laptop, we suggest contacting the laptop manufacturer for steps on how to clear the password. Many manufacturers have strict policies in place to help protect their customers' laptops and only they have the information on how to clear CMOS passwords.
How to reset desktop Boise password
Sometimes, users encounter a password prompt at boot or the BIOS or CMOS setup is locked (as can be seen in the image below). If you do not know the BIOS password, you'll need to clear it. The following sections contain instructions on how to do so using multiple methods.
Clear using jumper (recommended)
Caution: When working inside a computer, be sure you're aware of the potential damage that can be caused by ESD
On the computer motherboard locate the BIOS clear or password jumper or dip switch and change its position. This jumper is often labeled CLEAR, CLEAR CMOS, JCMOS1, CLR, CLRPWD, PASSWD, PASSWORD, PSWD or PWD. To clear, remove the jumper from the two pins currently covers the replace it over the other two. An example of the various jumper positions may be seen in the image to the right. Some computers may also clear the password by keeping the jumper open (one or no pins covered).
What if I can't locate the CMOS password jumper?
The following list details the general locations for the CMOS jumper. It's important to realize that most motherboards have dozens of different jumpers, so you need to make sure you're changing the correct jumper. If you are unable to find the password jumper, consult your motherboard's documentation by looking in the manual or downloading it from the manufacturer's website.
- On the edge of the motherboard - Most jumpers are located on the side of the motherboard for easy accessibility; verify by looking at all visible edges of the motherboard.
- By the CMOS battery - Some manufactures place the jumper to clear the CMOS or BIOS password by the CMOS battery itself.
- By the processor - Some manufactures place the jumpers by the CPU of the computer.
- Under the keyboard or bottom of laptop - If you are working on a laptop, the location of the dip switch can be under the keyboard or on the bottom of the laptop. It is usually located in a compartment such as the one that contains memory. (Laptops almost always use dip switches, not jumpers.)
Once the appropriate jumper or dips switch has been located and toggled, the password should be cleared. Turn your machine on to verify that the password has bee reset. Once cleared, turn the computer off and return the jumper or dip switch to its original position.
Removing the CMOS battery like the one shown in the picture causes the system to lose all CMOS settings; including the password. To do this, locate and remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard for at least five minutes, then replace the battery and turn the computer back on.
Generic passwords
Try using generic CMOS passwords. It should be noted that many of these default passwords are for older motherboards and no longer work with newer machines.
Jump the CMOS solder beads
Older computers, especially older laptops, don't have jumpers or dip switches. They require the user to jump a pair of solder beads on a circuit board. The identification and location of these solder beads can vary and if not available in computer documentation, is only obtainable through the computer manufacturer.
If you've identified the solder beads, they can be jumped by placing a flat-head screwdriver over the two beads and leaving it on those beads while turning on the computer. Once the computer has booted, turn it off and then remove the screwdriver.
Contact manufacturer
If none of the previous sections resolved your issue, we recommend you contact the computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer for the steps on clearing the computer password.
