What should you do if you have forgotten your BIOS password?

Answer 1

Do this carefully, and before touching anything inside your computer case, touch the metal outside of the case to discharge any static that might have built up. Look inside for the cmos battery, and there should be a jumper in the general proximity. Some motherboards you just need to pull it off and move it over a little and then move it back. Some, you need to move it over and turn the computer on and then put it back. Try both, and it should work.
-Lamaboy

Answer 2

If it's a desktop PC, erasing the cmos memory will usually clear it. Turn the power off, remove the cover. There should be a battery, these days they use a large silver disc watch battery type. Near it should be three pins with a linker on two of them. Move it to the other side, so the middle pin is linked to the other pin. Leave it there for a few seconds and then put it back in it's original position.

Replace the covers and boot up. You will then have to reset your BIOS options etc..

On Laptops, they all most always write the password to EEROM or flash memory, which don't need a battery. Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to clear these, is to remove the chip and use a programmer to load it with the latest BIOS from the manufacturer or replace it with a new one. Dell computers have a master password which is unique to each computer. That password can be obtained from Dell customer service.

Answer 3

If you lose or forget your BIOS password, the only solution is to reset the CMOS settings. Most motherboards include a pair of jumpers which, when closed, will reset the CMOS at the next boot. Once reset, open the jumper, then reboot and enter the BIOS setup as normal.

Be warned! You will have to reset all the CMOS parameters by hand, including the time and date, so it's always a good idea to take note of them in advance! However, some options can be highly-technical, if not downright cryptic. If you're not comfortable with changing these settings, just leave them be. But look for a default configuration or optimal settings option that will automatically set the CMOS accordingly. They may not be the ideal settings, but they should suffice to at least get you booted up. Take note of every setting and do some research on any that you're not sure about.

Note that some systems do not have a CMOS reset jumper. In this case you must remove the CMOS/RTC button battery to reset the CMOS settings. Most batteries are designed to be replaced so this shouldn't be too difficult. However you occasionally come across systems where the battery is soldered into place. If you can't be trusted with a soldering iron, then you'd best let an expert do it for you.