Process to reset/remove Dell 7480 AIO BIOS password when current password isn't known
What is the process to reset or remove the Dell 7480 AIO BIOS password when the current password isn't known?
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nobus
yes it is dutch, if you need some details, just ask
Dell's RTC Reset feature (described in the support link above) does not reset the NVRAM stored passwords, it's designed to recover unresponsive systems by restoring factory settings in the BIOS but it specifically excludes security settings which need manufacturer support (proof of ownership, support charges, etc).
This, from the English text version of the same page:
"The following items are unaffected by the RTC reset:
If TPM is on and Enabled, it is not affected by RTC reset (Remains on and Enabled)
Service Tag
Asset Tag
Ownership Tag
Admin Password
System Password
Hard drive Password
ME/vPro setting
Key Databases
System Logs"
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-uk/000126023/how-to-reset-real-time-clock-rtc-to-recover-your-dell-desktop-system#prodwrtcreset
This, from the English text version of the same page:
"The following items are unaffected by the RTC reset:
If TPM is on and Enabled, it is not affected by RTC reset (Remains on and Enabled)
Service Tag
Asset Tag
Ownership Tag
Admin Password
System Password
Hard drive Password
ME/vPro setting
Key Databases
System Logs"
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-uk/000126023/how-to-reset-real-time-clock-rtc-to-recover-your-dell-desktop-system#prodwrtcreset
yes, resetting a bios password is something from 10-20 years ago
Dell does have a jumper named PSWD on some desktop models.
See: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000131024/how-to-clear-the-bios-password
Dell 7480 AIO is not a valid model number, so I couldn't check the service manual for your PC. You can do this using your service tag or exact model here:
https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/Products/?app=manuals
"Locate the service manual under the Manuals and Documents section. Download or View the PDF. Follow the instructions under the Deleting or changing an existing system setup password section."
Or you could just examine the motherboard for the PSWD jumper. If it exists, pull the jumper power on the PC (this will clear the and reset the bios). Then power off and replace the jumper.
See: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000131024/how-to-clear-the-bios-password
Dell 7480 AIO is not a valid model number, so I couldn't check the service manual for your PC. You can do this using your service tag or exact model here:
https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/Products/?app=manuals
"Locate the service manual under the Manuals and Documents section. Download or View the PDF. Follow the instructions under the Deleting or changing an existing system setup password section."
Or you could just examine the motherboard for the PSWD jumper. If it exists, pull the jumper power on the PC (this will clear the and reset the bios). Then power off and replace the jumper.
Dell Optiplex 7480 AIO as listed in Gerwin's link above.
There are no such models found from the Dell US support site.
OptiPlex 24-7480 All-in-One
OptiPlex 7480 All-in-One
I think the correct data would be from IT guy, the asker. Either the specific model or the Tag will get to the correct manuals.
OptiPlex 24-7480 All-in-One
OptiPlex 7480 All-in-One
I think the correct data would be from IT guy, the asker. Either the specific model or the Tag will get to the correct manuals.
>>There are no such models found from the Dell US support site.
Yes there is: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/optiplex-7480-aio/docs
It says "Removing the coin-cell battery resets the CMOS and BIOS settings to default and results in data lose. It is recommended that you note the CMOS and BIOS settings before removing the coin-cell battery."
So try removing the battery - it may reset the password. But as MASQ is showing - when TPM is enabled you're likely out of luck and need to contact Dell.
what use is a password that can be reset?
Just to highlight that the first accepted answer here is for the Dell Latitude 7480 laptop where it is possible to reset the password, not the Dell All-in-One 7480 where it is not.