Lost password - Resetting the BIOS

In the case you have forgotten or lost the password for the BIOS, (prompted when starting your computer), this tip below will help you to tackle this problem.


The Bios password is stored in a non-volatile memory, keeping its data even when the PC is shut down. This chip is located on the motherboard on the called BIOS There are two ways to reset the BIOS:
Hardware reset
Software reset

Hardware reset

The aim o is to reset the BIOS so that data concerning passwords are cleared out. This is done by moving a jumper on the motherboard.( The biggest challenge is to find it).
Warning: This procedure also resets the BIOS settings. If you have made changes, this manipulation will reset these features to default.

Step 1: Turn off your PC and unplug the power cable and open your system unit. Touch the chassis of the casing with a metallic pbject to discharge static electricity.

Step 2: Check the documentation for your motherboard to locate the position of the jumper, that reset the BIOS. If you don't have any manual, look on your motherboard one of the following tag: CLR BIOS, CLEAR BIOS, CLR CMOS, CLEAR CMOS, RESET BIOS or RESET CMOS. It is usually near the CMOS battery on the motherboard.

Step 3: Find the jumper on your motherboard reset it. It is usually close to the battery.

If the jumper is on 3-connector pins, place it on the middle and the initially uncovered pins.
Wait for some time and put the jumper in its original position (PIN1-PIN2).
If the jumper is on a 2-connector pins and that it holds on a single pin, place it on both, wait one second and then return it to its original position.

Step 4: Power up and start your PC: the password has disappeared.

Software reset

If the password is only required at setup, it is possible, with specific motherboards, to recover without having to make all the manipulations above.
Dpwnload CMOSPWD software (freeware):
http://www.cgsecurity.org/cmospwd.html

The program works with the BIOS following:

• ACER/IBM BIOS
• AMI BIOS
• AMI WinBIOS 2.5
• Award 4.5x/4.6x/6.0
• Compaq (1992)
• Compaq (New version)
• IBM (PS/2, Activa, Thinkpad)
• Packard Bell
• Phoenix 1.00.09.AC0 (1994), a486 1.03, 1.04, 1.10 A03, 4.05 rev 1.02.943, 4.06 rev 1.13.1107
• Phoenix 4 release 6 (User)
• Gateway Solo - Phoenix 4.0 release 6
• Toshiba
• Zenith AMI