Resetting a Dell BIOS password is easy in most models. A BIOS password is a password that can be set within the BIOS to prevent a computer from booting to the hard drive. This is different from a Windows log-in password. Typically, a system will not have a BIOS password enabled, unless you go into the setup and apply one. The advantages of a BIOS password is that it essentially disables the entire computer, wherein a user might be able to boot to a CD or USB drive otherwise.
To reset the BIOS password on a Dell, you must first shut down the computer, turn it on its side on a flat surface, then remove the side panel. You should discharge any static you might be carrying by touching the bare metal surface of the case, then unplug the computer.
The BIOS password reset jumper pins will usually be located near the CMOS battery–a nickle-sized battery on the motherboard. There should be two sets of jumpers near each other. One will be the CMOS jumper and the other will be the password (PWRD) jumper. Each will have three pins. Locate the password jumper and find the plastic clip that is covering pins 2 and 3. Remove the clip and move it to pins 1 and 2. Let it sit there for a couple of minutes, then move it back to pins 2and 3.
Replace the cover, plug it back in and boot the PC. It should now boot without a BIOS password.
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I am having difficulty booting my computer, this is that displays on my screen. “Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
This has nothing to do with the BIOS password. I recommend joining our free forums at http://www.pctechbytes.net/forums/ we can help you easier there.
I have a Dell Dimension 2350 and when I boot the system it seems
to turn on but nothing shows up on the screen. The troubleshooting lights only light the letter D. Could this be the video controller card?
Could be numerous things..I recommend you join our free forums at http://www.pctechbytes.net/forums and ask your question there. Multiple techs can help you solve your problem.
I have found that BIOS/CMOS Password Recovery Tool is the most effective.:
BIOS/CMOS Password Recovery Tool is a program that works instantly to remove any lost or forgotten BIOS/CMOS password. Simply boot your PC to DOS and execute the program, and get access to forgotten BIOS/CMOS passwords in just seconds
BIOS/CMOS Password Recovery Tool Service: http://www.biospasswordrecovery.com/
We have never tried it so we cannot confirm, but thanks for the tip.