How do i reformat dell latitude D531

emcee13 · 03 Nov 2014

i bought this laptop on ebay then it was windows 7 and then after 1 week im using it it was running so slow maybe it cant handle windows 7 i tried to reformat it back to windows xp to see if it will run smoothly but i cant reformat it the BIOS is lock with password and i have no idea what password is i tried to search it even to common i found to the net what the stock password for that but no luck i tried CD and usb but still no luck

so please if anybody knows how to reformat it share with me

thank you in advance

matts6887 · 03 Nov 2014

The only way I know of off hand to reset the bios and get rid of the password for the bios is to remove the cmos battery which will clear any password(s); and reset the bios to factory defaults. Im not as familiar with laptops as desktops; however; the cmos battery will definitely be on the system board. But you have to open it up by carefully taking the top case off; and in there somewhere should be the cmos battery.

oscer1 · 03 Nov 2014

Hi

Here is the service manual which should help locate the battery. ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-produ...nual_en-us.pdf

it's under the ram cover.

Ztruker · 04 Nov 2014

Contact the person you bought it from and get the password.

gregrocker · 04 Nov 2014

You cannot reset a Dell BIOS password by any method without removing a chip on the mobo.

This is a security feature since BIOS-locked PC's are often corporate and buying one is risky since its probably stolen or it wouldn't be locked.

I would return it, insist that eBay give you your money back or complain to PayPal which should protect you.