can anyone please help, my ex husband has set (I think a bios & Hard drive) password on my inspiron 7000 series laptop before he fled, any help would be most welcome

register and PM me if you would like help :)

u could reset the bios though, no garuntees it wont break the bios... (it does by chance on occasion)

did ur ex husband leave you his PC, or did you keep it or other?

i'm curious :P

im a Teck at TAMU and got a dell inspiron 7000 in here wiht the same problem, i would like some help if anyone is willing.

you can contact me throu my AIM waldosjoint

thnaks

BIOS Password:

If you cannot access the machine after if has been powered up, it is still possible to get past the BIOS password. The BIOS password is stored in CMOS memory that is maintained while the PC is powered off by a small battery, which is attached to the motherboard. If you remove this battery, all CMOS information (including the BIOS password) will be lost. You will need to re-enter the correct CMOS setup information to use the machine. The machines owner or user will most likely be alarmed when it is discovered that the BIOS password has been deleted.

On some motherboards, the battery is soldered to the motherboard, making it difficult to remove. If this is the case, you have another alternative. Somewhere on the motherboard you should find a jumper that will clear the BIOS password. If you have the motherboard documentation, you will know where that jumper is. If not, the jumper may be labeled on the motherboard. If you are not fortunate enough for either of these to be the case, you may be able to guess which jumper is the correct jumper. This jumper is usually standing alone near the battery. If you cannot locate this jumper, you might short both of the points where the battery connects to the motherboard. I am aware that this is a notebook and not all BIOS passwords can be cleared by just resetting the CMOS. You also may not feel that comfortable opening it up a notebook due to the fact parts are much smaller.


Windows XP/2000 Password:

If you are running Windows XP/2000, I would suggest downloading a program known as CIA Commander. Its a simple DOS based program which will do everything you want it to do to clear a Windows password. I would document on how to use it but documentation is included with the program itself.

nice explanation warklan

Most Dell system passwords are not stored in CMOS memory therefore are not blanked by removing cmos battery. Usually they have been stored in non-volatile memory chips ie. retain their memory regardless of whether power supply is present or not.

You can find a lot of info on the web on this by doing a google search on 'dell 24c02' or 'dell 24c04' - the 24c02 chips are usually in older dells and I have found the 24c04 in the later model dells like the inspiron 8600
depending on the model as to where the chip is located. Shorting the correct pins on this chip will remove the BIOS password altogether. Although if you are not confident of taking apart a laptop then I would advise against this as I have quite often had to completely dissasemble units to get at this chip.

Yeah I agree with you though, you seem knowledgeable on breaking into Dells BIOS passwords :P

where is the 24c04 chip located on the inspiron 8600?
i took mine apart completely and did not find it.

I disassembled my inspiron 8100 some time ago, and found the chip right below the keyboard i believe, i did try and short it with multiple diff combinations but it did work. Has anyone had success with an 8100? If you have IM me at stealthfx pleeeasse!!