Password Security and Resetting CMOS

A computer supports two security password features that are established through the Computer Setup Utilities menu: setup password and power-on password. When you establish only a setup password, any user can access all the information on the computer except Computer Setup. When you establish only a power-on password, the power-on password is required to access Computer Setup and any other information on the computer. When you establish both passwords, only the setup password will give you access to Computer Setup.
When both passwords are set, the setup password can also be used in place of the power-on password as an override to log in to the computer. This is a useful feature for a network administrator. If you forget the password for the computer, there are two methods for clearing that password so you can gain access to the information on the computer:

• Resetting the password jumper
• Using the Clear CMOS button

  CAUTION: Pushing the CMOS button will reset CMOS values to factory defaults and will erase any customized information including passwords, asset numbers, and special settings. It is important to back up the
computer CMOS settings before resetting them in case they are needed later. Back up is easily done through Computer Setup.

 

Resetting the Password Jumper

To disable the power-on or setup password features, or to clear the power-on or setup passwords, complete the following steps:

1. Shut down the operating system properly, then turn off the computer and any external devices, and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet.
2. With the power cord disconnected, press the power button again to drain the system of any residual power.
3. Remove the computer cover or access panel.
4. Locate the header and jumper.
5. Remove the jumper from pins 1 and 2. Place the jumper on either pin 1 or 2, but not both, so that it does not get lost.
6. Replace the computer cover or access panel.
7. Reconnect the external equipment.
8. Plug in the computer and turn on power. Allow the operating system to start. This clears the current passwords and disables the password features.
9. To establish new passwords, repeat steps 1 through 4, replace the password jumper on pins 1 and 2, then repeat steps 6 through 8.

 

Clearing and Resetting the CMOS

The computer’s configuration memory (CMOS) stores password information and information about the computer’s configuration.

Using the CMOS Button

1. Turn off the computer and any external devices, and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet.
2. Disconnect the keyboard, monitor, and any other external equipment connected to the computer.

3. Remove the computer cover or access panel.

4. Locate, press, and hold the CMOS button in for five seconds.

5. Replace the computer cover or access panel.

6. Reconnect the external devices.
7. Plug in the computer and turn on power.

You will receive POST error messages after clearing CMOS and rebooting advising you that configuration changes have occurred. Use Computer Setup to reset your passwords and any special system setups along with the date and time.

  CAUTION: Pushing the CMOS button will reset CMOS values to factory defaults and will erase any customized information including passwords, asset numbers, and special settings. It is important to back up the
computer CMOS settings before resetting them in case they are needed later.

Using Computer Setup to Reset CMOS

To reset CMOS through Computer Setup, you must first access the Computer Setup Utilities menu. When the Computer Setup message appears in the lower-right corner of the screen, press the F10 key. Press Enter to bypass the title screen, if necessary. (If you do not press the F10 key while the message is displayed, you must turn the computer off, then on again, to access the utility.) A choice of five headings appears in the Computer Setup Utilities menu: File, Storage, Security, Power, and Advanced.
To reset CMOS to the factory default settings first set time and date, then use the arrow keys or the Tab key to select File > Set Defaults and Exit. This resets the soft settings that include boot sequence order and other factory settings. It will not, however, force hardware rediscovery.