How to Reset the BIOS password

[zen67]

What can we do if we bought a used computer and do not know the key to the BIOS or have forgotten the one chosen by us long ago?

Using CmosPwd in a few moments we can remove the password directly from the command prompt. When finished, the BIOS will be accessible without having to enter any keyword. Here's how:

WARNING: If your antivirus utilities such as acquire the unwanted program, ignore the warning and continue with the download

download the zip file located here: "CmosPwd"

Unpack the contents of the file in C: \of your hard drive

go Start / Run / cmd type OK

Once you open the shell window the DOS prompt, type the command with care:
cd c:\cmospwd-5.0\windows\ and press Enter

type ioperm –i and press enter,

Now write the command cmospwd_win /k and type enter

choose the second option by pressing 2, then Enter again

To exit, press 0 (zero)

reboot the pc

Works with the following BIOSes

ACER/IBM BIOS
AMI BIOS
AMI WinBIOS 2.5
Award 4.5x/4.6x/6.0
Compaq (1992)
Compaq (New version)
IBM (PS/2, Activa, Thinkpad)
Packard Bell
Phoenix 1.00.09.AC0 (1994), a486 1.03, 1.04, 1.10 A03, 4.05 rev 1.02.943, 4.06 rev 1.13.1107
Phoenix 4 release 6 (User)
Gateway Solo - Phoenix 4.0 release 6
Toshiba
Zenith AMI
With CmosPwd, you can also backup, restore and erase/kill cmos.

(This is the site: CmosPwd - CGSecurity)

[leofelix]

I would have read this tip 10 years ago.
I was lucky 'cause I could remember the password after 3 times
Thank you

[riteshtechie]

Awesome didn't knew that.

[HappyAndyK]

Learnt something new here today ...

[tweakwindows]

I only knew how to do it via reinserting CMOS battery. Thanks for your tip.

[Cithel]

This is from the old blurred part of my memory but can't you just open the can, close the jumper on the motherboard that resets the bios to factory default? I know that works for everything else but don't remember if it clears the CMOS password as well.

Either way, Nice tip thanks!

[pamarths]

Cithel,

You are right. I was a regular user of this a few years back to reset BIOS passwords.

On the same note, I think we can use vendor provided utilities for BIOS password reset, like DCCU for dell. This not only helps in resetting the BIOS passwords, but also helps in managing BIOS settings from OS(like disabling/enabling devices and power management)

Those who are using altris knows better about this.

[jhone88]

This information is intended for experienced users. It is not intended for basic users, hackers, or computer thieves. Please do not try any of following procedures if you are not familiar with computer hardware. I'll not be responsible for the use or misuse of this information, including personal injury, loss of data or hardware damage. So use it at your own risk.

A. By Using the Motherboard Jumper:

In most motherboards CMOS battery is soldered, which makes it difficult to remove the battery. In this case we use another method.

Almost all motherboards contain a jumper that can clear all CMOS settings along with the BIOS password. The location of this jumper varies depending upon the motherboard brand. You should read your motherboard manual to check its location. If you don't have the manual then look for the jumpers near the CMOS battery. Most of the manufacturer label the jumper as CLR, CLEAR, CLEAR CMOS, etc.

When you find the jumper, look carefully. There will be 3 pins and the jumper will be joining the center pin to either left or right pin. What you need to do, is remove the jumper and join the center pin to the opposite pin. e.g. if the jumper joins center pin to left pin, then remove it and join center pin to right pin. Now wait for a few seconds and then again remove the jumper and join the center pin to left pin.

Make sure to turn the PC off before opening the cabinet and resetting the jumper.

[brianzion]

great advice

[Calony]

There are many tools can help you.