Lost Setup admin password.

ICIT2LOL · 23 Jul 2013

Sub Styler said:

This is just a setup password and not a system password?

Simple solution, Re-Flash the BIOS, even if it's not a update, just with the same verion.

Boom, back to default!

Yep that is worth trying.

gregrocker · 23 Jul 2013

Unfortunately the BIOS password is relegated to another chip on the bios so that even reflashing will not bypass it.

If Dell will not help then it requires special steps which must be dug out of Google searching the error messages, since we cannot discuss it further here under the Forums' policies.

billberry12 · 23 Jul 2013

I finally got Dell to give me the BIOS password. All is well. Thanks everyone.

gregrocker · 23 Jul 2013

Glad to hear it, Billberry.

billberry12 · 23 Jul 2013

The key was getting it transferred to me from the previous owner, whom I had no idea was . Once I finally hounded them to get that done, and after many emails and phone calls from Dell Customer service, they gave me the code.

Sub Styler · 23 Jul 2013

Glad you sorted it. Is that specific to dell machines Greg?

gregrocker · 23 Jul 2013

Yes, I successfully helped a friend unlock his Dell BIOS password only to find it also had a HD password which the same solution cracked. I reported it in a thread which the Admins removed, which is why I know it can't be discussed any further even though the fix is out there to be found via deft Google searches of the prompt and error messages.

The problem is that we have no way to know that it will help a thief unlock a stolen laptop, unless as in my case it is a friend who I know has it rightfully. But even then what we publish here can fall into the wrong hands so the Admins will often decide against it.

Sub Styler · 23 Jul 2013

Like we don't mention that tool for windows that edits user accounts?

gregrocker · 23 Jul 2013

Haven't seen that one.

ICIT2LOL · 23 Jul 2013

Hmm Greg well it is worth knowing that and I for one cannot think of having those sorts of passwords unless it is of corporate interest ie government departments.

I have had several old school computers given to me in the past that are "locked up" and while I can see the point in having them for obvious reasons it does render the new user having a machine that is just about unusable unless one is a) allowed to have that password or b) is "clever" enough to work around it.