Users Guide

Resetting BIOS password  81

Resetting BIOS password

BIOS passwords are used to add extra security to computers. You can

conﬁgure your computer to prompt for a password when booting or when

entering BIOS setup program.

Use one of the following methods, depending on your computer type, to

reset lost or forgotten BIOS passwords.

CAUTION: Resetting the BIOS password involves clearing all data

fromthe CMOS. If you have changed any BIOS settings, you must

make those changes again after resetting the password.

Remove the CMOS battery

WARNING: Read the safety instructions before working inside

yourcomputer.

Almost all system boards use a coin-cell battery that helps retain BIOS

settings, including the password. To reset the password, remove the

coin-cell battery, wait for 15 to 30 minutes, and then replace the coin-cell

battery.

NOTE: For more information on the location of the coin-cell battery and

instruction on removing and replacing it, see the ServiceManual at

www.dell.com/support.

Use system‑board jumper

NOTE: System-board jumper is available only on desktop computers.

Almost all system boards on desktop computers contain a jumper to clear

CMOS settings along with the BIOS password. The location of this jumper

varies depending upon the system board. Look for the jumpers near the

CMOS battery, usually labeled as CLR, CLEAR, CLEAR CMOS, and so on.

For procedure on clearing passwords and clearing CMOS settings, see your

computer Service Manual at www.dell.com/support.