Cracking A Password

[Nick]

Ok, I got this computer that was thrown out by one of the local government offices, and I'm trying to format it to use as a small webserver, but I got a problem. There's a password and I can't get around it. Now, I'm not talking about a Windows password, this is at the startup screen right after it detects the CD-ROM drive. I can get into the BIOS, but it wont let me do anything without a password. Is there anything I can do to reset it?

[Bruce]

Try here: http://www.pwcrack.com/index.htm

[Nick]

Thanks, the removing the battery trick worked :).

[98125]

if im correct there was somewhere on the motherboard there is (i think) 10 small switches, one of them would read password and u flick it and it clears the password

easier than replacing the battery

[Nick]

Originally posted by 98125
easier than replacing the battery

I didn't have to replace it, I just popped it out and then stuck it right back in.

[guitarnerd]

I know you got it done but for future reference as the other guy was saying but was slightly off, there is a jumper and no there are not 10 small switches, it is different on every mobo. Anyway you just plug it in to the 2-3 from 1-2 or vica versa combination to clear whatever is saved in the bios including a start up password :)

[Hobbes]

Yup, you find the two pins for the bios, short them out, TADAA instant wipe of the bios memory. Then you're all set

[LastActionHero]

Another method is that every BIOS has a default password. Just use that to get in. Just search for the deafault password on google.

[Nick]

Originally posted by LastActionHero
Another method is that every BIOS has a default password. Just use that to get in. Just search for the deafault password on google.

I tried all of the backdoor passwords listed for the bios this particular computer had and none of them worked :(.