So I got this laptop as a present, but when I try to start it up I get the following message:
"This computer system, #XXXXXXX-XXXX, is protected by a password authentication system. You cannot access the data on this computer without the correct password.
Please type in the primary or administrator password and press <Enter>."
Does anyone know how I can change this password? I know that removing the BIOS battery would probably reset it, but I don't really want to resort to that because I don't want to open it up myself.
Any help is much appreciated.
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Anonymous2008-04-12 15:44
A present huh? Sure.
BIOS passwords on Dells are stored in NVRAM. In other words removing the BIOS will do nothing for you. You will have to call Dell and sweet talk them into providing you the master pass that is hash specific to that particular laptop.
I have had to this before due to stupid users. I had legit credentials for doing it though. Your situation sounds way mot iffy.
Good luck with that. LOL
Name:
Anonymous2008-04-12 15:45
In other words removing the BIOS *BATTERY* will do nothing for you
proofreading for teh win
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Anonymous2008-04-12 16:40
Actually, I'm not lying about the present thing. How he got it in the first place is a different matter alltogether, but still. I guess I'll call Dell, then, but I heard their customer support is shit. Ah well.
Name:
Anonymous2008-04-13 4:46
Can't you just boot it up in safe mode? Then just run your computer in there.
Name:
Anonymous2008-04-15 5:24
Doesn't work. I can't even do anything but start it up, the password screen appears immediately.
>>1
In other words, you stole that laptop from a finance institution, legal organization, or government agency ... and you need to get around the hard-disk encryption. Tough fuck; you can't. You have to wipe the hard disk and reinstall the OS.