Erasing lost or forgotten passwords (clearing CMOS)

This section provides instructions on how to erase lost or forgotten passwords, such as a user password.
Note: The instructions in this section do not apply to the hard disk password.
To erase a lost or forgotten password, do the following:

  1. Remove any media from the drives and turn off all connected devices and the computer. Then, disconnect all power cords from electrical outlets and disconnect all cables that are connected to the computer.

  2. Remove the computer cover. See Hardware removal and installation.

  3. Locate the Clear Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) /Recovery jumper on the system board. See Hardware locations.

  4. Move the jumper from the standard position (pin 1 and pin 2) to the maintenance position (pin 2 and pin 3).

  5. Reinstall the computer cover and connect the power cord. See Hardware removal and installation.

  6. Turn on the computer and leave it on for approximately 10 seconds. Then, turn off the computer by holding the power button for approximately five seconds.

  7. Repeat step 1 and step 2.

  8. Move the Clear CMOS /Recovery jumper back to the standard position (pin 1 and pin 2).

  9. Reinstall the computer cover and connect the power cord.

  10. Turn on the computer and the monitor. When the logo screen is displayed, press F1 or Fn+F1.

  11. To prevent data loss, ensure that BIOS settings are restored to an earlier point.

Parent topic: Using BIOS passwords


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