Dell BIOS Password Reset
BIOS Password Recovery for the Dell Dimension:
The BIOS password can be cleared on a Dell Dimension by moving the password jumper on the motherboard. Its location can be found in the Dimension User Guides.
For Dell Dimension desktops, these are the steps to reset a BIOS password and clear all CMOS settings:
• Locate the 3-pin CMOS password reset jumper on the system board.
• Remove the jumper plug from pins 1 and 2.
• Place the jumper plug on pins 2 and 3 and wait around 5 seconds.
• Replace the jumper plug on pins 1 and 2.
BIOS Password Recovery for the Dell Optiplex:
The BIOS password is cleared from a Dell Optiplex by removing the password jumper (PSWD) from the motherboard. The location of this jumper can be found in the Optiplex User Guides.
For most Dell Optiplex desktops, these are the steps to reset the BIOS password and clear all CMOS settings:
• Locate the 3-pin CMOS password reset jumper on the system board.
• Remove the jumper plug from pins 1 and 2.
• Place the jumper plug on pins 2 and 3 and wait more or less 5 seconds.
• Replace the jumper plug on pins 1 and 2.
BIOS Password Recovery for the Dell Inspiron:
Every Dell Inspiron has a master password that will clear the BIOS password. Call Dell Technical Support at (800)624-9896 to get this master password.
They will ask you for the Service Tag and the Express Service Code (look for them on the bottom of your Inspiron).
If by chance you are not the original owner of the Inspiron, Dell will transfer the registration of the machine from the original owner to you with the Service Tag and the Express Service Code and you will have to fill out the Transfer of Ownership form on Dell’s web site.
BIOS Password Recovery for the Dell Latitude:
There is a program written by Christophe Grenier that calculates the master BIOS password for Dell Latitudes from the Service Tag number. Find the program at http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~skynet/zips/latitude.exe.
However, If you cannot boot your Latitude so that you can run this program, get the master password by calling Dell Technical Support at (800)624-9896.
They will ask you for the Service Tag and the Express Service Code (look for them on the bottom of your Dell Latitude).
If by chance you are not the original owner of the computer, Dell will transfer the registration of the machine from the original owner to you with the Service Tag and the Express Service Code and you will have to fill out the Transfer of Ownership form on Dell’s web site.
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