Last Updated: January 16, 2024

Dealing with those pesky forgotten BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) passwords on your desktop? Well, these passwords act as the unsung heroes of your system, guarding its configuration like a VIP bodyguard at an exclusive party, ensuring no unauthorized guests crash the scene.understanding the topic

Imagine this: you’re the forgetful protagonist in our little story, locked out of your own system because that darn BIOS password slipped your mind. It happens to the best of us, right? The passage really drives home the point that, hey, even the most top-notch security systems can have their moments of forgetfulness.

Now, you’re faced with a choice. You could go the traditional route, seeking aid from the IT department or ringing up the manufacturer’s service center to hit the reset button on that password. But beware! It’s not as simple as it sounds. These methods might demand a chunk of your time, effort, and, let’s be real, can take a bit of your hard-earned cash. Plus, no guarantees they’ll be covered by your laptop’s warranty.

But wait, there’s a beacon of hope! Our tutorial vows to be your trusty sidekick, guiding you through a series of nifty steps and tricks to tackle that locked BIOS or UEFI password head-on. Sure, it leans more towards the tech-savvy side, but fret not. We’ve put in the work to simplify the procedures and explanations, making them a breeze even for those who don’t speak fluent tech.

The end game? Bid farewell to the irritating system password problem using an arsenal of various techniques and a stash of backdoor passwords. It’s time to reclaim your digital kingdom, one password at a time.

In case you have this problem mingling on your laptop: Reset Forgotten Laptop BIOS or UEFI Password

So Let’s Get Started;

There are four distinct methods available for resetting your laptop’s BIOS/UEFI password, outlined as follows:

  1. Resetting Using Backdoor Passwords
  2. Resetting Using Cracking Software
  3. Resetting By Removing the CMOS Battery
  4. Resetting By Shorting the BIOS Jumper

Method #1 – Resetting By Backdoor Password

Guess what? Some desktops come with pre-set backdoor passwords, courtesy of the BIOS manufacturer. These passwords play the role of a fail-safe, designed to come to your rescue when you’ve drawn a blank on your custom password. Think of them as a safety net, giving users the means to regain access to the BIOS Menu in case their original password is nowhere to be found.

Below are a few backdoor passwords provided by the BIOS manufacturer:

  1. Award BIOS: AWARD_SW KDD / awardj256 / Award SW / ZBAAACA / AWARD_SW / J64 / HLTZAA / ADA / AWARD?SW / j332 / Condo / ZJAAADC / AWARD SW / j322 / CONCAT / Djonet / AWKWARD / 01322222 / TTPTHA / ALFAROME / Awkward / 589589 / aPAf / ALLy / 0132222 / 589721
  2. AMI BIOS: AMI / HEWITT / LKWPETER / AAAMMMIII / RAND / A.M.I. / BIOS / AMI?SW / CONDO / PASSWORD / AMI_SW / AMIBIOS / HEWITT RAND / lkwpeter / BIOSTAR / biostar / BIOSSTAR / biosstar / ALFAROME / Syxz / wodj
  3. PHOENIX BIOS: Phoenix / ALFAROME / BIOSstar / PHOENIX / BIOSTAR / Cmos / CMO / BIOStar / LKWPETER / BIOS / 12345 / 12345678
  4. BIOS PASSWORDS BY MANUFACTURER:
S.No. Manufacturer Password
1. VOBIS & IBM merlin
2. Dell Dell
3. Biostar Biostar
4. Compaq Compaq
5. IWill iwill
6. Jetway spooml
7. Siemens SKY_FOX
8. Toshiba TOSHIBA BIOS

Method #2 – Resting By Password Cracking Software

Ever heard of “Hiren’s BootCD 15.2″, a nifty free bootable utility tool that works wonders in removing BIOS passwords? What sets Hiren’s Boot CD apart is its bootable ISO file, jam-packed with a variety of diagnostic tools specifically crafted to tackle these kinds of issues.

To get your hands on this handy tool, head over to the following link: hirensbootcd.org/download/ and grab the “Hiren’s BootCD 15.2” ISO file.

Once the download is complete, unzip the compressed file and extract its contents into a designated folder. Inside this folder, you’ll spot an ISO file. Now, to move forward, you’ll need another utility software capable of creating a bootable flash drive from this ISO file. This step is crucial to unleashing the power of Hiren’s BootCD on your system.

Once you’ve successfully transformed your flash drive into a bootable powerhouse using the Hirens BootCD ISO file, the next move is to boot your computer from this flash drive. You can achieve this using a feature commonly known as the “Boot Menu”, nestled within your computer’s BIOS settings.

The “Boot Menu” is a specific feature housed in the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) of your computer. It allows you to select a boot device other than the default hard drive. This menu showcases a list of all available bootable devices connected to your computer, such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, DVDs, and the like.

To kickstart your computer from a flash drive using the Boot Menu, follow these simple steps:

  1. Power on your computer and be vigilant for a brief moment just before the operating system begins loading. This is your window to access the BIOS or Boot Menu. The key to enter this menu varies depending on your computer’s manufacturer—common keys include Esc, F2, F8, F10, F12, or Del. Keep an eye out for an on-screen prompt indicating which key to press.
  2. Press the appropriate key during startup to access the Boot Menu. This action will unveil a list of available bootable devices.
  3. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate the Boot Menu and select your USB flash drive or the bootable drive containing the Hirens BootCD.
  4. Now, press Enter to confirm your selection. The computer will then initiate the boot process from the chosen device, loading the contents of the Hirens BootCD.

Note: In case you’re facing hurdles in accessing the boot menu? Fear not, as there’s a practical workaround that involves temporarily disconnecting all internal storage devices like HDD and SSD from your computer’s motherboard. The trick here is to maintain a sole connection to the bootable flash drive that you’ve recently crafted. By isolating the bootable drive, your computer will automatically prioritize it as the sole available bootable device. This nifty maneuver eliminates the need to manually configure the flash drive as the primary boot device in the system settings. This approach streamlines the boot process, enabling your computer to effortlessly recognize and kickstart the startup sequence from the connected flash drive.

Alright, so you’ve successfully booted up your USB drive, and now you’re greeted by the welcoming screen of the Hirens Boot CD menu – a treasure trove of options waiting for your exploration. Now, let’s dive into the fun stuff. Go ahead and choose ‘Dos Programs’ to reveal a lineup of tools that are like the superheroes of system-related tasks and troubleshooting.

Now that you’re in the ‘Dos Programs’ section, keep hitting that ‘Next…’ option until you land in the ‘BIOS/CMOS tools’ section. This is where the magic happens for tweaking BIOS settings and dealing with passwords. Dive into this part, and you’ll find a toolbox filled with gadgets designed to mess around with BIOS or UEFI configurations.

What you’re looking for in the ‘BIOS/CMOS tools’ section is the ‘BIOS Cracker 5.0 (cmospwd)’ tool. It’s your go-to hero for tackling BIOS-related headaches, offering ways to crack, bypass, or reset BIOS/UEFI passwords.

Once you’ve picked ‘BIOS Cracker 5.0 (cmospwd)’, get ready for a screen with a bunch of prompts and settings. Just keep hitting that ‘Enter’ key like a pro. The software will take you through some steps, and ta-da! It’ll do the trick and reset your laptop’s BIOS password.

When the software declares victory, it’ll ask you to reboot your computer. Go ahead, do the reboot dance. After that, double-check if the BIOS or UEFI password has waved goodbye. If it’s still hanging around like an unwelcome guest, don’t worry. There are some other tricks up our sleeve to tackle that pesky password problem.

Method #3 – Resting By Removing C-MOS Battery

Let’s take a peek under the hood of your desktop, where the magic happens. At the heart of its internal machinery lies the BIOS/UEFI Chip, a sort of command center responsible for all the nitty-gritty configurations that make your device tick. This chip is like the wise old sage, soldered onto the motherboard, safeguarding those crucial settings that define how your device functions.

Now, let me introduce you to the unsung hero of this setup – the CMOS Battery. This little guy plays a big role. Its main gig is to provide a steady stream of power to the BIOS/UEFI Chip, even when your desktop takes a nap. This constant power supply keeps the BIOS/UEFI happy, preserving vital data like system date and time settings, boot preferences, and, importantly, any security passwords you’ve set up.

But here’s the plot twist. If you decide to play with the balance by yanking out the CMOS battery or letting it chill for more than five seconds, it’s like giving the BIOS a rollercoaster ride it didn’t sign up for. The sudden power break kicks the BIOS/UEFI into a reset mode, wiping out all stored settings, including that precious password of yours. It’s basically hitting the reset button, saying adios to your personalized setups, and bringing the desktop’s motherboard back to its factory settings.

So, Let’s See How To Do That

  1. Power down the computer and disconnect it from the power source for safety:
    • Ensure a complete shutdown of your computer by turning it off.
    • Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet or the back of the computer to prevent any electrical mishaps during the procedure.
  2. Open the computer case to access the motherboard:
    • Remove any screws or fasteners securing the computer case.
    • Gently slide or lift off the side panel of the computer case to expose the internal components.
  3. Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard:
    • Identify the CMOS battery, a small coin-shaped component, typically positioned near the edge or center of the motherboard.
  4. Gently remove the CMOS battery from its socket:
    • Use a small flat-head screwdriver or your fingers to release the latch holding the CMOS battery in place.
    • Carefully lift the battery out of its socket, taking care not to damage any surrounding components.
  5. Wait for 5 seconds to allow residual charge to dissipate for an effective reset:
    • This brief interval ensures that any remaining electrical charge in the system is discharged, facilitating a comprehensive reset.
  6. Carefully reinsert the CMOS battery into its socket:
    • Place the CMOS battery back into its designated slot on the motherboard.
    • Press down gently to secure the battery in place.
  7. Close the computer case securely:
    • Reattach the side panel of the computer case and secure it with any screws or fasteners that were removed.
  8. Reconnect the computer to the power source:
    • Plug the power cord back into the electrical outlet or the computer.
  9. Power on the computer to observe the successful BIOS reset:
    • Turn on the computer and monitor the startup process to ensure that the BIOS has been successfully reset.

Before you embark on the journey of desktop surgery, make sure to grab your trusty sidekick – the anti-static wristband. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a golden rule. Picture it as your shield against the invisible forces of static electricity that could turn your tech expedition into a shocking experience.

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Method #4 – Resting By Shorting BIOS Jumper

diving into the cool world of resetting BIOS with the CMOS jumper—the ninja move of BIOS resets. This method is like the superhero of efficiency, reliability, and a direct, no-nonsense hardware approach. Picture it as a quick and straightforward way to give your BIOS a clean slate by tinkering with the CMOS jumper’s position on the motherboard. It’s like hitting the reset button, but with a bit more finesse.

What makes this option even better is that it’s not some secret tech handshake. Nope, the process is right there in your motherboard manual, like a DIY guide for resetting your system. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be resetting your BIOS in no time:

  1. Power Down and Unplug: Make sure your computer is completely shut down, and don’t forget to unplug it from the power source. We’re avoiding electrical surprises here.
  2. Find the CMOS Jumper: Consult your motherboard manual to locate the CMOS jumper. It’s usually a trio of pins near the battery on the motherboard. The manual is your treasure map.
  3. Jumper Shuffle: Grab a small flat-head screwdriver or a nifty tool. Carefully move the CMOS jumper from its default home (pins 1-2) to the ‘Clear CMOS’ position (pins 2-3). This is the magic move that kicks off the BIOS reset party.
  4. Wait a Bit: Take a breather for 1 to 5 minutes. Let the CMOS reset do its thing. It’s like a mini-vacation for your BIOS.
  5. Jumper Back to Default: Once the break is over, move the CMOS jumper back to its original position (pins 1-2). It’s like sending the jumper back to its home base.
  6. Power On: Reconnect the computer to power and fire it up. This step ensures the changes take effect. Your system is now rocking the fresh BIOS reset vibes.
  7. BIOS Dive (Maybe): Depending on your system, you might need to take a detour into the BIOS during startup. Look for the option to reset to factory defaults. It’s like giving your system a clean slate.

And in case you’ve exhausted every trick in the book trying to crack that stubborn BIOS password, and it’s still holding its ground? Time to call in the big guns – the qualified professionals. These folks have the skills to pull off the tech equivalent of magic tricks, like flashing the BIOS or maybe even swapping out the BIOS chip.

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