Welcome to the System Admin training tutorial section by CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions. Today, I will teach you how to reset a forgotten BIOS password.
The newer term for BIOS is UEFI.
This tutorial will teach you the importance of securing BIOS, popular BIOS password recovery tools, and the steps to reset a BIOS password.
Should I set a Password For UEFI?
John Eiderman, a client of CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions, once asked, "Why should I set a UEFI password for my new Dell laptop?"
John is a professional photographer, and we developed a photo website for him. My answer to his question is simple.
It is critical to prevent unauthorized access to the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) settings to enhance the security of a computer. By setting a password for BIOS login, an additional layer of protection can be added to the PC.
UEFI = Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
However, one possible issue is that you may forget the password. A forgotten UEFI password would prevent you from accessing the UEFI settings. This tutorial explains how to reset a BIOS password configured on a computer.
I Forgot The UEFI Password. What Should I Do?
John called me yesterday and asked the above question. Soon after two weeks, he forgot the UEFI password set on his Dell laptop.
I helped him reset it, and will explain how I did it.
There are four methods to reset the BIOS (UEFI) password.
Using BIOS backdoor passwords set by the manufacturer.
Using BIOS password breakers (Third-party Software )
Hardware Reset By Removing CMOS Battery
Resetting BIOS Jumbers
I will explain each method to recover or reset a forgotten BIOS password.
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Use a BIOS Backdoor Password
It is the easiest method to reset the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) information configured on a computer. You can use preset backdoor login codes (provided by the UEFI manufacturer) to bypass the BIOS password set on your device.
It is important to note that you must be patient while finding the correct backdoor code that matches your PC model. One of my earlier posts contains a comprehensive list of such codes, which I hope you will find helpful. To access the list of backdoor details, visit the link below.
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Third-Party Tools to Break BIOS Password
If the first method fails, you can use reputable third-party software tools to bypass the BIOS password you set. I received many questions regarding the free BIOS password reset tools from readers.
Ajmal Yaman from Istanbul asked, "I forgot the UEFI password. Is there a tool that can break it?"
The answer is yes.
I have a list of widely used tools for resetting BIOS passwords across various computer models. Let me share some of them here.
- http://www.11a.nu/software/bios-pc-bios-security-and-maintanance-toolkit/
- http://www.cgsecurity.org/wiki/CmosPwd
- http://webscripts.softpedia.com/script/Development-Scripts-js/Complete-applications/Cmos-Password-Breaker-15153.html
- http://wareseeker.com/free-cmos-password-breaker/
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Reset the BIOS Password By CMOS Battery Trick
The 3rd solution to reset a forgotten BIOS password is to remove the CMOS battery for a few minutes and reconnect it.
The problem with these steps is the necessity of opening the computer cabinet. So, I do not recommend it for non-tech people.
Now, let me answer one question from one reader. Anju Sadasivam, a reader of CoreNetworkZ, asked, "Can you tell me why the removal of the CMOS battery helps to bypass the UEFI password?"
CMOS memory stores the BIOS data. So, cutting off power to the CMOS will erase the stored data. As a result, the BIOS will no longer prompt for a password next time.
Forgetting your BIOS password will no longer prevent you from accessing the BIOS settings on your PC.
Resetting BIOS jumper
The 4th solution to reset a forgotten BIOS password on a laptop is using the BIOS jumper. Let me explain how to do it.
After opening the PC cabinet, check for a jumper near the CMOS battery. Remove it and wait for two minutes. Then place it in the Reset position.
Wait for one minute and then place the jumper in its original position. It will do the trick.
I believe it is time to conclude this article. I explained four methods to reset a forgotten BIOS password. You can write your questions in the comments for further assistance.
Author: Alex George
Alex George is the Chief Editor and founder of CoreNetworkZ Tech Solutions. He is a senior software developer with 20 years of experience.
You can contact him at alex.george@corenetworkz.com.
A. By Using the Motherboard Jumper:
ReplyDeleteIn most motherboards CMOS battery is soldered, which makes it difficult to remove the battery. In this case we use another method.
Almost all motherboards contain a jumper that can clear all CMOS settings along with the BIOS password. The location of this jumper varies depending upon the motherboard brand. You should read your motherboard manual to check its location. If you don't have the manual then look for the jumpers near the CMOS battery. Most of the manufacturer label the jumper as CLR, CLEAR, CLEAR CMOS, etc.
When you find the jumper, look carefully. There will be 3 pins and the jumper will be joining the center pin to either left or right pin. What you need to do, is remove the jumper and join the center pin to the opposite pin. e.g. if the jumper joins center pin to left pin, then remove it and join center pin to right pin. Now wait for a few seconds and then again remove the jumper and join the center pin to left pin.
Make sure to turn the PC off before opening the cabinet and resetting the jumper.
B. By Using Software:
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/
Thank you Rob for your jumber tips to reset CMOS settings.
ReplyDeleteI got my Dell bios master password and Hard Drive (HDD) master password here. They also do this for HP, Compaq, Fujitsu, Acer, Advent, ASUS, Gateway, Sony and Samsung laptops and desktops.
ReplyDeleteJust go to http://www.mastermindit.biz/bios_reset_hdd_recovery.html
Send your Dell model and service tag and they will email back your bios master password and or HDD master password for your Dell computer. The Master Password will delete all Bios passwords giving you access to your locked computer again.