Locked out

[thewolfe]

A friend's computer was requesting the Username and password that he had put in many time at startup. But all of a sudden it wouldn't except them and said they were incorrect.



And after trying numerous times he then got the following verbiage.



"This computer system #(77p70flf) is protected by a password authentication system. You cannot access the data on this computer without the correct password. Please type in the system or administrator password and press enter."


Since he can't get past it, is there a chance that taking the CMOS battery out for a while might clear the password request?

 

[Golden]

Is this a personal home computer?

 

[indianacarnie]

Has your friend rebooted and tried again?

 

[thewolfe]

It is a personal computer and rebooted numerous times.

 

[HAVOC]

Is caps lock on/off?

 

[thewolfe]

Nope.

 

[Fantail]

"the CMOS battery"
Just to clarify - are you talking about the windows password prompt or did the user lock the bios?

 

[matts6887]

Indeed are you talking about the bios; or the windows logon screen? if its the bios you are locked out of; I am pretty certain removing the cmos battery should clear it because doing that resets the bios to factory defaults. If its the windows logon screen; you may need to try getting into windows by using the windows disk and starting windows via the disk to see if you can do a repair to it.

 

[rvcjew]

that is most certainly the bios unless its a domain that someone changed the default failed password attempts prompt for. (noticed it was personal) clear your CMOS like others have said. sounds like a DELL to me by the way it explains it.

 

[Layback Bear]

If it's a Dell and you are having problems with Bios password just give them a call. They will explain the steps on what you have to do.
I'm quite sure you will have to prove when, where and how who bought the computer. If it is rebooting the problem is not the Bios because Windows has loaded and waiting for a password to go farther.

Other than than please read this. Rule #6 should cover this situation.

Windows 7 Help Forums - Forum Rules

 

[thewolfe]

It is a Dell 1445

 

[Layback Bear]

Okay it's a Dell.
Contact Dell and I do believe they should be able to help you following their guide lines.

 

[thewolfe]

They will for $70 - past 1 year warranty.

 

[LMiller7]

A laptop BIOS password is a security feature. Unlike in a desktop, such a password is not stored in the CMOS and cannot be cleared by removing the CMOS battery or any other simple method. If the password were easily removed it would serve no useful purpose. Only the manufacturer can help and only after proof of ownership.

 

[thewolfe]

Well that makes sense but a bummer.

 

[Layback Bear]

Well LMiller7 said it better than I did. Prof of ownership is absolutely one of Dells requirements.
I think we are done.

 

[thewolfe]

I agree, we called Dell yesterday and they'd be glad to help for $70.

Thanks for the posts.