I have now managed to remove the bios password from the DELL inspiron 7000.

I wanted to post this as it was difficult to find any decent information on this procedure. I hope this is of help to someone.

Procedure used (not the only one I believe):

The laptop has to be taken completely to pieces. I mean everything as the 24C164 device is on the underside of the main board. It is just above the PLCC bios chip.

I removed this device from the board and luckily have access to an IC programmer. The device was filled with FF's which effectively blanks the device.

But the next step is more important and is where I went wrong the first time. You have to then clear the CMOS. On the same board is a small PCB mounted cell. Remove the +ve leg and leave for a short while and then reconnect it.

Put everything back together and you should be away. It worked for me anyway.