Jeff_Burns
asked on
BIOS Password Suddenly Required??
This is the second time I have come across this problem, both Dell's, last one a desktop, this one a laptop. For whatever reason a BIOS admin password is suddenly required to logon. A BIOS password has NEVER been setup and the user has never been previously prompted for it. The aforementioned desktop ended up having a bad motherboard, but I'd like to get some input from the Expert's before I saddle this machine with that type of diagnosis.
I cannot get into the BIOS. I cannot boot from ANYTHING. The password prompt comes up before POST.
Thank you.
I cannot get into the BIOS. I cannot boot from ANYTHING. The password prompt comes up before POST.
Thank you.
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Call Dell verify ownership and they will give you a master password. Lucky its a Dell many other laptop manufactures require you to send the laptop into a repair facility and pay to have it removed even if the system is under warranty.
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Hi Guys,
Obviously, Mr. Burns would like to recover this password as an immediate action. The bigger question for all of you experts out there is the root cause of this kind of event. In this case, we're dealing with a Dell Inspiron 3800 laptop. My research indicates the motherboard on this unit is also used in the Dell CPx and CPt laptops. We also know that this unit was not used for a considerable amount of time, but we don't know if this problem started before or after the idle period. These motherboards are readily available for under $50.00, but if we have no knowledge of the root problem the replacement board may be a moot point.
Obviously, Mr. Burns would like to recover this password as an immediate action. The bigger question for all of you experts out there is the root cause of this kind of event. In this case, we're dealing with a Dell Inspiron 3800 laptop. My research indicates the motherboard on this unit is also used in the Dell CPx and CPt laptops. We also know that this unit was not used for a considerable amount of time, but we don't know if this problem started before or after the idle period. These motherboards are readily available for under $50.00, but if we have no knowledge of the root problem the replacement board may be a moot point.
ASKER
Jumpers jumped, battery removed, powered and replaced...problem remains. I understand that I can contact Dell for the master password, but I have a feeling that will be hours of phone-hell. My other concern is I want to verify this is a 'fluke' and not an underlying symptom of a bigger problem...
Thanks!
Thanks!
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ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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Good idea i forgot about there new chat, its a lot easier than calling in.
ASKER
Contacting Dell did it, and it was much more pleasant than you may have imagined. Thanks to all for your assistance!!!
I just wanted to add that it's not always so pleasant chatting with Dell. I just spent a total of four hours in chat with Dell trying to get my BIOS password reset on a Vostro 1000. I am the purchaser of the system, and like in the original complaint, I am unaware of a password being set. It just showed up one day.
The computer would boot, but I could not change any of the CMOS setup. The chat experience was an utter waste of time and I have to send the notebook in for repair, but that should only have taken 15 minutes to arrive at, not four hours.
Dell seems to have a business model that would willingly waste any amount of customer time to save a buck on support costs. One thing that really annoyed me is that I asked to be escalated to a higher level technician and the the Dell tech refused. And yet he had me remove the CMOS battery to try to clear the password. In a lapton!!!
I love Dell hardware, but I really hate their support.
The computer would boot, but I could not change any of the CMOS setup. The chat experience was an utter waste of time and I have to send the notebook in for repair, but that should only have taken 15 minutes to arrive at, not four hours.
Dell seems to have a business model that would willingly waste any amount of customer time to save a buck on support costs. One thing that really annoyed me is that I asked to be escalated to a higher level technician and the the Dell tech refused. And yet he had me remove the CMOS battery to try to clear the password. In a lapton!!!
I love Dell hardware, but I really hate their support.
ASKER