Need help removing Bios password from Dell Dimension XPS M200s
Posted by mazzyus@reddit | vintagecomputing | View on Reddit | 29 comments
I saved this machine from the local ewaste scrapyard but cannot install an OS or boot into anything as the Bios has a password on it. The password prevents me from changing boot order and such. I found “pswd” on the mask and tried jumping every pin I can imagine and cant figure this out. Im stumped and could use any elder wisdom you folks may have!
Feel free to request any better pictures!
Also this thing had a voodoo2 in it! So cool!
pvantine@reddit
Find the PSWD jumper and set it to pins 2-3.
pixelink84@reddit
I came here to say this ( or remove the cmos battery for a while - I think that worked in some mobo's but I might be misremembering my youth )
But something always puzzled me - if you can use a jumper to remove the password. What's the point of the password?
I know some of the old cases had locks to prevent you opening them, and also holes for those wires you could lock into the case to ~prevent~ deter theft.. so I guess the password was just to prevent changes in environments like libraries / universities / offices etc?
Anyone know?
reukiodo@reddit
accoreing to the second photo, the password jumper should be labeled A
mazzyus@reddit (OP)
You are the goat this led me to solve the issue! Successfully cleared the password and am in! Thank youuuuuuu
2raysdiver@reddit
We used to require BIOS password protection at my company, and passwords needed to be changed every 90 days. But there were too many issues with people forgetting passwords and bricking their laptops.
Background_Lemon_981@reddit
Changing a BIOS password every 90 days? Like they thought it was internet facing and hackers were hitting it with rainbow tables? That’s precious.
2raysdiver@reddit
For upper management, who makes the rules, a password is a password.
Marco-YES@reddit
Tried resetting the CMOS or removing the battery?
mazzyus@reddit (OP)
yep added this comment haha, was the first thing i tried
Marco-YES@reddit
What's the service tag on it?
Stardust_808@reddit
yup was gonna say the cmos battery but then was reminded by the posts about the jumper
madmac_5@reddit
Since resetting the BIOS didn't do anything, try to see if you can re-flash the BIOS with the latest version from Dell. I don't have time to look up the particulars now, but you should be able to boot to DOS from a 3.5" floppy and apply the new BIOS like we did back when that system was current.
Martli@reddit
Enjoy that Voodoo2!
DatMoeFugger@reddit
If you can't pull the power to bios then try https://bios-pw.org/
mazzyus@reddit (OP)
tried this but got a weird HP laptop result when i put in the serial number “8D7ZD”
DatMoeFugger@reddit
It's a dell it's got a service tag/# somewhere try using it instead
neighborofbrak@reddit
8D7ZD is likely the serial number. Follows Dell's usual serial system from the late 90s.
mazzyus@reddit (OP)
i mean on the bottom of the case it literally says “serial: 8D7ZD” lol
DatMoeFugger@reddit
The bios battery should look like a pigtail leading to a coin wrapped in shrink wrap. unplug the tower and the battery hold the power switch for a few seconds then plug er back in and give it a shot.
pvantine@reddit
In the second picture is the jumper block for PSWD and Setup. Put the jumper on pins 2-3 on the PSWD part of the block. That should disable the BIOS password.
NationalReading3921@reddit
Pull t he CMOS batt. Push and hold power button for 60 seconds with PSU unplugged.
Massive-Stranger4666@reddit
There should a jumper on the system board to reset it. What you need to do is pull the jumper and turn it on enter bios and reset to defaults. replace jumper when finished.
If you forget your user or setup password, you cannot operate your computer or change settings in the system setup program until you clear the forgotten password(s).
Shut down the computer. Option Function Password Status Locks and unlocks the password option. The default is Unlocked. System Password Enables and disables the system password. The default is Disabled. Setup Password Enables and disables the setup password. The default is Disabled. POST Hotkeys Selects key that are active during POST. The default is F2 and F12. PXE BIS Default Policy Specifies how the computer will respond to boot integrity services authentication requests when no certificate has been installed. When set to Deny (the default), this request is rejected. The request is accepted when set to Accept. NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it. CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual. NOTICE: This process erases both the system and setup passwords.
Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
Open the computer cover.
Locate jumper PASSWORD on the system board and remove the jumper plug.
Close the computer cover, plug your computer into an electrical outlet, and then turn on the computer. The existing password(s) will be erased.
Shut down the computer.
WebIntrepid3639@reddit
try to remove cmos battery, disconect the desktop and wait aroun 1 hour, after that put again the cmos battery, this will delete all bios data (including password)
mazzyus@reddit (OP)
read my other comments boss
WebIntrepid3639@reddit
i can help you, download this tool :hiren's boot in its official website, download rufus, install and launch it, once opened; you need a usb or portable backup pendrive like a dvd or bluray (minimun 4gb), and boot it putting the Hiren's boot file that you downloaded (unzip it [not the iso file]), in the "boot selection bar", when if finish, put it in the pc and turn off it
mazzyus@reddit (OP)
problem is I cannot change boot device.
WebIntrepid3639@reddit
i deleted commentary because i looked the problem, try this tutorial: https://hardzone.es/tutoriales/reparacion/quitar-contrasena-bios/
mazzyus@reddit (OP)
Oh and I have obviously pulled the CMOS!
mazzyus@reddit (OP)
and trying every basic password like “password, dell, 1234, ect”