How to Reset a DMI Password on Windows XP
Few things are more frustrating than being locked out of your own computer. Whether you forgot the password or someone else installed a password without your knowledge, the computer is useless until you find a solution. You can regain access to a computer whose DMI password is unknown. Since the DMI or Desktop Management Interface is a part of the Basic Input/Output System, also known as BIOS. Gaining access to the BIOS password will usually solve the problem.
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Instructions
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Backdoor Passwords
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1
Download a list of possible backdoor BIOS passwords from the Internet.
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2
Start the computer and note the make and version of the BIOS. Typically, this will be at the top of the screen as the computer starts to boot up.
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3
Enter the backdoor passwords for your BIOS one at a time until you crack the code. Make note of the password that worked.
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4
Restart the computer and as it begins to boot, press one of "Del," "F1" or "F10." Look at the bottom of the screen as the computer boots up and it should tell you which one of these keys to press to enter the bios.
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5
Check the main screen of the BIOS for a section that will let you return the BIOS to its default settings and do so. Verify the settings for the CPU, memory, hard drive types and sizes. Restart the computer. The BIOS password should have been deleted.
Hardware Reset
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6
Disconnect the computer from all electrical power and open the case. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws.
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7
Remove the cmos battery cell. It will usually be a flat round cell about a half inch in diameter.
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8
Replace the battery after 20 or 30 minutes and reconnect the computer to the power.
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9
Start up the computer and press "Del," "F1" or "F10" to enter the BIOS.
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10
Check the main screen of the bios for a section that will let you return the BIOS to its default settings and do so. Verify the settings for the CPU, memory, hard drive types and sizes. Save your settings and restart the computer. The BIOS password should have been deleted.
Software Reset
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11
Download one of the available utilities for recovering BIOS passwords.
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12
Run the utility to recover the password or to clean it from the BIOS PROM chip.
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13
Restart the computer. Use the recovered password or enter the BIOS by pressing either "Del," "F1" or "F10" to reset your password.
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Tips & Warnings
Some cmos batteries are soldered onto the motherboard. Exercise care when attempting to remove the battery from the motherboard.
The bios password utilities should only be used by experienced technicians. This type of software can wipe the bios clean and make the computer useless.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit bios chip image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
