BIOS Password
Laptops in general have much better hardware security than PCs. Some of them even come with fingerprint reader build in.
Most laptops come with a very strong BIOS password capability that locks up the hardware and makes the laptop completely unusable. This is the password that has to be entered before the operating system loads, usually on a black screen a few seconds after the laptop is started.
Of course BIOS password can be set on a PC too, but there it is stored together with the other BIOS settings – date, time, hard disk size, etc. It is very easy to reset the BIOS settings (and the password) on a PC – usually there is a jumper near the BIOS battery on the motherboard that needs to be moved from connecting pins 1+2 to pins 2+3 for a few seconds and than moved back to pins 1+2. Next time the PC is started it will alert you “… BIOS settings invalid… Defaults loaded… Press F1 to continue…” or something similar, and…. the password is gone!
However most laptops store the BIOS password in a special chip, sometimes even hidden under the CPU, that is not affected when the rest of the BIOS settings are reset. This makes the removal of a BIOS password on a laptop almost impossible. The only option in most cases is to replace the chip which is quite expensive and risky procedure and, of course, not supported by the manufacturers.
Some manufacturers (like Dell) can generate a “master password” for a particular laptop (from their service tag) if sufficient proof of ownership is provided. Others (like IBM) would advise replacing the laptop’s motherboard (very expensive). On some old laptops (4 – 5 years or older) the BIOS password can still be reset relatively easy, usually by shorting two solder points on the motherboard or by plugging a special plug in the printer port, etc.
In almost all cases on newer laptops it is either a big hassle, expensive or even impossible to reset the BIOS password, making it a very good way of protecting your laptop from unauthorized use.
However what makes your computer exactly yours are your own files, documents, emails, pictures, etc. They are all stored on the hard drive. So, even if your laptop has a BIOS password that locks it up and makes it completely unusable to anyone that doesn’t know it, your hard drive can still be removed from the laptop and connected to another computer, and your files retrieved quite easily.
I got my gateway for Christmas. I knocked it off the dresser and stepped on it. Too bad, soo sad! Now I asked my son-in-law for the password because he set it up; and wouldnt you know it! He Doesnt Remember…oh no, oh no, oh no…pant, whine, wheeze! I think I’m hyperventilating. What to do, what to do? Somebody better help me, quick. I cant live without my BFF. What can I do? I was told you have to send it ti the manufacturer, and for some reason, that sounds expensive. Do you think I can access it from another PC or laptop? How when it no longer speaks englisg. HELP. I NEED HELP! They sure knew what they were doing cause now I probably have to buy another laptop.
I have a samsung laptop model number np r519 and its asking me for a code when i enter code that i thought it was it comes up system disabled then alot of numbers each time i try it locks out after 3 attemps and have to switch it off and again then same thing again can any. Body help me to get through this
i m using dell laptop it is getting over heated if i used for more than one hr can any body help me on this.
forgive me quotes
i have a dell note book and its always asking me for harddisk security password before my computer start up
I have a Gateway Windows 7 and the bios password needs to be reset. No one can help me, even Best Buys Geek Squad. I have located the C Mos battery, but to no avail. WHAT DO I DO? This laptop is 2 years old!
i have a hp pro book that is bios locked. any ideas?
i have a problem with my new laptop, samsung chronos series 7 (its new i can use only 3 times : (
the exactly model is np700z5c-s01ub
the first time when i buy this notebook, i put a pass of bios, but after two week i decide quit the pass.
i go to the setup across f2 then put the original pass, and then the next two step put in blank
after that i reboot, and ask me again password, but now not reconize the old pass and the new pass.
can i disable this cmos pass option ? work in new model of samsung with 18 charters ?
when i put the wrong pass 3 times return me a code of 18 charters
and the same will change after reboot the pc,(is different every time reboot)
thanks in advance.
i have samsung R439
model:NP-R439L
SYSTEM DISABLED :320A05282100000000
Forgiveness I am using a translator. The post below “Guys” refers to “price, value” In Brazil the word “Cara” can be used referring to a value or a person.
Cara=Man ou um valor (Esta joia é muito cara)=(This jewelry is very expensive)
Caras=Men ou um valor (Estas roupas são muito caras)=( These clothes are too expensive)
The Dell master password feature is fantastic, and one I think other companies should take on board if they want to offer their customers adequate piece of mind.