How to Reset Bios Password on Dell Laptop
Messing with the computer's BIOS is the most basic way to kick-start your rig. In other words, the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) tells the hardware to load the software (meaning your OS like Windows or Linux) and communicate with all the peripherals attached to it. The BIOS is also the first thing you need to check if the OS isn't loading for some reason.
If your machine refuses to start up properly, the BIOS could be the culprit. It's sneaky like that. This guide will tell you how to enter and reset it to the factory defaults to fix those problems.
Keep in mind that the BIOS can also act as a backdoor to your system so it might be wise to lock it with a password to prevent any unauthorized entry into your machine. It may seem relatively simple but this minor security deterrent can prevent a malicious third party with a bootable Windows drive stick or a Linux Live CD from screwing with your Windows login password.
What if I set up a BIOS password and I forgot it?
Have no fear, it can be reset with the right knowledge. Just follow the steps outlined in this article.
How to reset your BIOS Password
Your BIOS password can be easily reset by opening your computer or laptop and removing the CMOS battery. This will cut off BIOS' energy supply and everything in the memory will be deleted. It is relatively simple on a desktop computer but might be a bit more difficult on your Dell laptop. However, there is another method which may be more useful to laptop users.
This method utilizes the backdoors built by manufacturers like Dell. You can find the passwords for most vendors online. Also, a blogger calling himself Dogbert has created a website that can give your vendor password. Here's what you have to do:
- Start up your Dell laptop and enter the wrong password three or more times.
- You'll get a message with an alert that will inform you that your system has been disabled or that the password failed.
- The message will also include a number. The number is important as it will help you generate the BIOS backdoor password later.
- Go to the BIOS Master Password Generator page on another computer or on your smartphone.
- Enter the number that was displayed on the BIOS screen.
- Press the "Get password" button to see a list of computer models and passwords.
- Use the password that corresponds to your Dell laptop.
- Reboot your machine again and go to the BIOS password screen and enter this password.
Note: you might be forced to reset the password through the hardware in some case. Dogbert warns that some computers use a different system that needs a hardware reset, most prominently IBM and Lenovo.
