There are times when users get an authentication prompt during the beginning of boot, or either the BIOS/CMOS configuration is locked, as illustrated in the picture below. If you don’t know your BIOS’s password it is necessary to unblock it. The following sections provide guidance on how you can do this with a variety of methods.
Clear using a jumper (recommended)
Take these steps in order to erase your BIOS or CMOS password with the hardware jumper.
On the motherboard of your computer motherboard Locate an BIOS cleared or password jumper or DIP switch and adjust its place. The jumper may be marked CLEAR, CLEAR CMOS CLR1, JCMOS1, CLR PWD PASSWD, PASSWORD, PSWD or PWD. To remove it, take the jumper from the pins that are currently covered and then put it over the remaining two jumpers. A sample of the different jumper locations is displayed in the picture. Certain computers can also erase the password by leaving an open jumper (one or none of the pins are closed).
What happens if I’m unable to locate that CMOS password jumper?
The following table outlines the most common locations for your CMOS jumper. It’s crucial to remember that the majority of motherboards have different jumpers. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you’re changing the right jumper. If you’re unable to find the password jumper, refer to the manual for your motherboard by looking through the user manual, or download it directly from the manufacturer’s site.
- The edges of motherboards Most jumpers are placed on the edges of the motherboard to allow for easy access. Examine the areas of your motherboard.
- In The CMOS battery Some manufacturers put the jumper to erase the BIOS or CMOS password on the CMOS battery by itself.
- The processor Certain manufacturers place the jumpers into the CPU of the computer.
- under the keyboard or at the bottom of laptop on laptops, the DIP switch is either under the keyboard or on the bottom of the laptop the DIP switch can be found underneath the keyboard or on the lower part or bottom. It’s typically located in a compartment like the one with the memory. (Laptops generally make use of DIP switches and not jumpers.)
When the proper switch or DIP switch is found and turned on the password will be erased. Restart your computer to confirm that the password has been reset. Once the password has been cleared, turn your computer off , and then switch either the switch or DIP switch to its initial position.
Remove CMOS battery
Removal of the CMOS battery, similar to the one in the image, can cause the system to erase all CMOS settings including the BIOS password. Find and take the battery for the CMOS off the motherboard for at least five minutes. and then replace the battery and switch the computer back on.
Generic passwords
Try using generic CMOS passwords. It is important to note that a lot of these default passwords are designed for older motherboards, and will not be compatible with the latest machines.
The jump CMOS solder beads
Older computers, and especially older laptops, aren’t equipped with switchers, or jumpers. They require users to jump two solder beads onto the circuit board. The identification and position of these solder beads can be different and, if not included in the computer’s documentation and is only accessible via the computer manufacturer.
If you’ve found the solder beads that you want to jump, it is possible to do so by placing a screwdriver that is flat on top of the two beads and leaving it on the beads while you turn off the laptop computer. Once the computer is booted then turn it off, and then take off the screwdriver.
Contact the manufacturer
In the event that none of these above sections have resolved your problem We suggest you call the computer’s maker or the motherboard manufacturer for instructions on changing the computer’s password.
