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Question : Problem: Compaq Deskpro 4000
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Hi,
I have this computer here (a friend of mine) and need to re-install the OS. The problem is that I need to get in the cmos to change the boot options and am ask to supply a password, which naturally nobody knows.. I've done couple of research and tried several things ( like the original manufacturer password, etc) but un-successfull. I cant even try to run any kind of little "cmos/bios reset pwd" tools as it is not trying to boot via the floppy in first instance. The actual OS is not starting so am kind of needing help. I've even look to get the battery out of the motherboard and put it back after but it's seem to be sealed there.
It's a Compaq Deskpro 4000.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
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Answer : Problem: Compaq Deskpro 4000
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How to Bypass BIOS Passwords
http://www.labmice.net/articles/BIOS_hack.htm
There is lot of info on at the above link these are just the basic things to try
Using the Motherboard "Clear CMOS" Jumper or Dipswitch settings
Many motherboards feature a set of jumpers or dipswitches that will clear the CMOS and wipe all of the custom settings including BIOS passwords. The locations of these jumpers / dipswitches will vary depending on the motherboard manufacturer and ideally you should always refer to the motherboard or computer manufacturers documentation. If the documentation is unavailable, the jumpers/dipswitches can sometimes be found along the edge of the motherboard, next to the CMOS battery, or near the processor. Some manufacturers may label the jumper / dipswitch CLEAR - CLEAR CMOS - CLR - CLRPWD - PASSWD - PASSWORD - PWD. On laptop computers, the dipswitches are usually found under the keyboard or within a compartment at the bottom of the laptop.
Please remember to unplug your PC and use a grounding strip before reaching into your PC and touching the motherboard. Once you locate and rest the jumper switches, turn the computer on and check if the password has been cleared. If it has, turn the computer off and return the jumpers or dipswitches to its original position.
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Removing the CMOS Battery
The CMOS settings on most systems are buffered by a small battery that is attached to the motherboard. (It looks like a small watch battery). If you unplug the PC and remove the battery for 10-15 minutes, the CMOS may reset itself and the password should be blank. (Along with any other machine specific settings, so be sure you are familiar with manually reconfiguring the BIOS settings before you do this.) Some manufacturers backup the power to the CMOS chipset by using a capacitor, so if your first attempt fails, leave the battery out (with the system unplugged) for at least 24 hours. Some batteries are actually soldered onto the motherboard making this task more difficult. Unsoldering the battery incorrectly may damage your motherboard and other components, so please don't attempt this if you are inexperienced. Another option may be to remove the CMOS chip from the motherboard for a period of time.
Note: Removing the battery to reset the CMOS will not work for all PC's, and almost all of the newer laptops store their BIOS passwords in a manner which does not require continuous power, so removing the CMOS battery may not work at all. IBM Thinkpad laptops lock the hard drive as well as the BIOS when the supervisor password is set. If you reset the BIOS password, but cannot reset the hard drive password, you may not be able to access the drive and it will remain locked, even if you place it in a new laptop. IBM Thinkpads have special jumper switches on the motherboard, and these should be used to reset the system.
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Overloading the KeyBoard Buffer
On some older computer systems, you can force the CMOS to enter its setup screen on boot by overloading the keyboard buffer. This can be done by booting with the keyboard or mouse unattached to the systems, or on some systems by hitting the ESC key over 100 times in rapid succession.
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Other items at that link
Backdoor passwords
Jumping the Solder Beads on the CMOS
Using a professional service
Links to Motherboard Manufacturers
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A couple of other links to look at
http://www.elfqrin.com/docs/biospw.html
http://users.powernet.co.uk/sysserv/page125.html
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