On PCs, the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is updatable computer firmware designed to initialize the computer during start prior to handing control to the operating system. Due to the sensitive nature of the system settings controlled by the BIOS, a password can be set by either the computer manufacturer or the end-user. Some of the most common BIOS producers include AMI, AWARD, IBM, and Phoenix with many manufacturers making their own changes to the firmware prior to selling a computer on the open market. The common methods to reset BIOS password include: Generating a BIOS password using a hash code, entering a backdoor BIOS password, reset the BIOS password using software, reset the BIOS password using hardware, and resetting the BIOS password with vendor specific solutions.
How Does the BIOS Work?
The computer BIOS is the first programming code executed by a PC when the machine is rebooted or turned on. The computer firmware conducts a power-on self-test of the system which is responsible for identifying system hardware and initializing components such as the CPU, hard drive(s), RAM, video card, mouse, and keyboard. Once the initialization task is 
complete, the BIOS checks the boot devices in order of configured preference (traditional default setting is the computer’s hard drive). The boot loader software is executed by the BIOS once located, and control of the computer is then passed to the operating system. Functionality that can be changed by the end-user through the BIOS user interface (UI) include setting the system clock, enabling or disabling system hardware, configuring hardware, enabling or setting passwords, and choosing the order of boot devices.
Although the BIOS was originally stored on a ROM (read only memory) chip on the computer’s motherboard, today’s computers will store the firmware in flash memory or EEPROM chips that can be updated after the computer has been sold. Once Intel started producing chips for use on non-PC hardware such as Macintoshes, a successor to the legacy BIOS system was required and is called the Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI). Although EFI provides a number of improvements over the traditional BIOS, it has not yet gained market dominance on PC’s.
Is There a BIOS on Mac OS X?
Prior to the production of Mac computers using x86 or Intel chips during the later portion of the 2000’s and their use of EFI, OpenFirmware was the BIOS equivalent on all Macintosh computers. OpenFirmware provides similar functionality on a Mac as the BIOS and EFI do on other computing systems. It conducts tasks such as locating attached or installed hardware and uses environment variables to direct the boot process for the Mac. To access the interface for OpenFirm, press the power button on the mac for about 10 seconds. While pressing the power button, simultaneously depress the “CMD,” “OPT,” “O,” and “F” keys once you hear an audible “chime.” Once you are done with the required modifications in OpenFirmware, exit the interface by typing “bye”, “boot”, or “mac-boot” (depends on the version of Mac computer you are using) followed by pressing the “return” key.
How to Rest a BIOS Password By Using a Hash Code
A lot of the major computer manufacturers use a master password generated from a hash code to reset the master BIOS password. This hash code is normally calculated from a unique equipment identifier such as the Serial Number, Service Tag, System ID, or Express Service Code. On many brands of computer, the identifying code will be displayed after the BIOS password has been entered incorrectly three times in a row. On other brands, it may be printed on the computer. On some HP models of computer, the hash code will only display if the “F2” or “F12” keyboard function key is press prior to entering the incorrect password a third time.
A free service provided by Tech FAQ (other websites will charge you) is our BIOS password generation tool. The tool is designed to make a BIOS password that will work on many computer brands to include: Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu-Siemens, HP, Samsung, and Sony models. The tool has also worked for many white-label PC’s running Phoenix or Insyde BIOS. Tech-FAQ.com recommends end users that desire to reset the BIOS password for their respective computer try the hashcode generator before paying another company money to conduct the same task. Many times, third party companies will simply charge individuals upwards of $40 USD to obtain the same information provided for free here:
Finding the Backdoor BIOS Password
In addition to creating a BIOS password from a hash code, a number of BIOS manufacturers also implement an explicit backdoor password. This password will work regardless of the presence of a manually set BIOS password. The primary purpose of a manufacturer’s backdoor BIOS password is for maintenance and testing evolutions. These passwords are changed periodically by the respective company and success will vary across brand and age of computer.
The reported BIOS backdoor passwords to date include:
| Manufacturer | BIOS Password |
|---|---|
| AMI | A.M.I., AAAMMMIII, AMI?SW , AMI_SW, BIOS, CONDO, HEWITT RAND, LKWPETER, MI, Odor, and PASSWORD. |
| Award BIOS | ,01322222, 589589, 589721, 595595, 598598 , ALFAROME, ALLY, ALLy, aLLY, aLLy, aPAf, award, AWARD PW, AWARD SW, AWARD?SW, AWARD_PW, AWARD_SW, AWKWARD, awkward, BIOSTAR, CONCAT, CONDO, Condo, condo, d8on, djonet, HLT, J256, J262, j262, j322, j332, J64, KDD, LKWPETER, Lkwpeter, PINT, pint, SER, SKY_FOX, SYXZ, syxz, TTPTHA, ZAAAADA, ZAAADA, ZBAAACA, and ZJAAADC. |
| Russian Award BIOS | %øåñòü ïpîáåëîâ%, %äåâÿòü ïpîáåëîâ |
| Phoenix BIOS | BIOS, CMOS, phoenix, and PHOENIX. |
| VOBIS & IBM | merlin |
| Dell | Dell |
| Biostar | Biostar |
| Compaq | Compaq |
| Enox | xo11nE |
| Epox | central |
| Freetech | Posterie |
| IWill | iwill |
| Jetway | spooml |
| Packard Bell | bell9 |
| QDI | QDI |
| Siemens | SKY_FOX |
| SOYO | SY_MB |
| TMC | BIGO |
| Toshiba | Toshiba |
How to Reset the BIOS Password Using Software
A popular option for end users to reset the BIOS/CMOS password is to use third party software.
CmosPWD is a free application that can be used to retrieve and decrypt the BIOS password. It also provides backup, restoral, and erasing capabilities. The program is proven to work with the following BIOS types:
- ACER/IBM BIOS
- AMI BIOS
- AMI WinBIOS 2.5
- Award 4.5x/4.6x/6.0
- Compaq (1992)
- Compaq (New version)
- IBM (PS/2, Activa, Thinkpad)
- Packard Bell
- Phoenix 1.00.09.AC0 (1994), a486 1.03, 1.04, 1.10 A03, 4.05 rev 1.02.943, 4.06 rev 1.13.1107
- Phoenix 4 release 6 (User)
- Gateway Solo – Phoenix 4.0 release 6
- Toshiba
- Zenith AMI
How to Reset the BIOS Password By Removing the CMOS Battery
One of the most common methods to reset the BIOS password is to remove or discharge the battery on the computer’s motherboard. If the power to the battery is lost or drained, the BIOS configuration will be reset to the factory state with no password. System settings made to the BIOS will also be lost.
Step 1 – Turn off the computer and ensure it has no external power (ie unplug the power cable. If it has a battery, remove it).
Step 2 – Open the computer’s case or box.
Step 3 – Locate the computer’s motherboard and look for the white silver button battery on the motherboard.
Step 4 – If the battery is not soldered to the motherboard, remove it carefully and wait for approximately 30 seconds.
Step 5 – Put the computer case back together and boot the computer.
Step 6 – If the “CMOS Checksum Error-Defaults Loaded” error message is displayed, the BIOS password has been reset.
In the event the CMOS battery is soldered to the computer’s motherboard, you will want to seek a different method to reset the BIOS password on the computer.
Steps to Reset the BIOS Password Using Hardware
If the CMOS battery is soldered to the computer’s motherboard, some brands will have a jumper located on the board that can be used to reset or clear the BIOS password. The location of the jumper on the motherboard will be contained in the motherboard documentation. If you can not find documentation on which jumper will reset the BIOS password, some users will guestimate on which jumper is the appropriate by choosing the one closest to the battery for reset. Another option is to short the points of the battery connection pins to the motherboard (when there is no power being applied to the computer).
Steps to Reset the BIOS Password Using the Real Time Clock
If attempts at resetting the CMOS battery through removal or by jumper fail, another method is to reset the Real Time Clock (RTC) Integrated Circuit (IC) on the computer’s motherboard. This method will work if the RTC requires an external battery. To reset, simply remove the RTC from the motherboard socket with no power available to the computer and reseat. The RTCs reported to require external batteries include:
- Dallas Semiconductor DS12885S
- TI benchmarq bq3258S
- Motorola MC146818AP
- Hitachi HD146818AP
- Samsung KS82C6818A
If the RTC contains an integrated battery, it can typically be reset by shorting two of the pins for several seconds after power has been removed from the system.
How to Reset the BIOS Password Using Vendor Specific Solutions
Resetting a Dell BIOS Password
For information on how to recover a Dell BIOS password, please refer to How do I reset Dell BIOS password?
Resetting an IBM ThinkPad BIOS Password
For information on how to recover an IBM Thinkpad BIOS password, please refer to How do I reset an IBM ThinkPad BIOS password?
Resetting an IBM Aptiva BIOS Password
Some IBM Aptivas can bypass the startup BIOS password if both mouse buttons are pressed repeatedly while booting the system.
Resetting an Acer BIOS Password
For information on how to recover an Acer BIOS password, please refer to How do I reset an Acer BIOS password?
How to Turn Off the BIOS Password
Once end-users obtain the master BIOS password for the target computer, a common task to accomplish is making the computer stop asking for the password when restarted or rebooted.
Step 1 – Restart your computer.
Step 2 – Press the BIOS access key during computer restart (F2 on many models, Tech-FAQ listing of common BIOS access keys).
Step 3 – Use the keyboard arrow keys to locate the security tab in the BIOS setup.
Step 4 – Locate the submenu that lists menu items similar to:
Supervisor password is: set
User password is: set
Step 5 – Use the keyboard arrow key to navigate to the available options and press the first password setting.
Step 6 – Enter the current BIOS password in the subsequently displayed menu prompt. Some BIOS types will ask for the password to be entered twice.
Step 7 – Change the password setting to blank, not set, etc.
Step 8 – Repeat steps 5-7 for the subsequent password options that indicate they are “set.”
Step 9 – Navigate to the BIOS “exit” menu option and choose the “save changes” menu option.
Step 10 – Continue to exit from the BIOS setup and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Rey
Hi, i have all this codes but,don’t work
ke1sr7vb
qslf1852
hX12r4n1zh0snQ2S
ykxo1x0o
v2EI2MyJuv5564e5
Can you help please
System number GHBD2Z2-BF97
THANKS
Angel Guillen
hello it is my lap
Dell Vostro 5630
System disable
7AFA21ADFA0B7D6B
Service Tag
4FS1JV1
Constant
S’il-vous-plaît, j’ai un ordinateur Thinkpad Lenovo T60 dont j’ai oublié le mot de passe du BIOS. Je n’arrive pas à connaître le code Hash. Donc je suis bloqué, je ne sais quoi faire.
Mohd Airi Abdullah
Acer Aspire V5-431 Series
Model MS2360
Unlock Key Hint Number FCC36932
patrick
acer aspire 3
password 2020895167
can u help. please
DINOU
HI . ALL CODES NOT WORKING IN MY PC . JFQDSN2-BF97
Kevin Rooks
No idea how the device suddenly needs a system password. Never did before. I appreciate what you’re doing as HP is not that helpful sometimes. The code I get from an HP Stream 11 is [i 51276854]. Thanks for any help.
Shailendra Daftary
FF9NWQ1 DELL
TRIED ALL SUGGESTED PASSWORDS. PLEASE HELP
Saim
I have a Dell inspiron N5030 series which has a password authentication and It refuses to be removed!
what can I do?
Hlp me?
Whts app number
+923470113745
Brad Green
Good morning! I so hope you can help with my BIOS password issue. I have a Compaq Presario 2105US laptop. I had to take it apart to replace the power jack and a few other parts. Upon putting it back together and powering it up, I tried to get into the BIOS setup to change the boot order where it proceed to ask for a password. Not sure why as I have never set a BIOS password on this or any of my other laptops. Nothing has worked! I also don’t get a system disable message or hash code after entering an invalid password 3 times. When I created and used a USB boot drive or boot from the system recovery CDs, I discovered that the BIOS doesn’t recognize the hard drive. I have reseated the CMOS battery multiple times and that didn’t work. I have left the CMOS battery out with the same result. I removed 1 of the 2 RAM SIMMS with no change. I was unable to find any jumpers or dip switches on the motherboard. Outside of replacing the BIOS chip (which I so do not want to do), I am at a loss on what to do to get into the BIOS setup in order to enable the hard drive. Do you have any suggestions? I would so appreciate any assistance you’re able to provide!
Thanks much!
Brad
Arnold ferguson
Awesome site. Code generator worked perfect to unlock dimension E1505
korush
I get up to the laptop and this box will appear
Enter System Password
dell n5010
help me pls
Silas
Hi admin, please help, I want to remove bios from Lenovo G580. I tried wrong password 3 times, and I only get the message: SYSTEM LOCKED; no other code
Salvo
ciao ragazzi, aiutatemi, bios asus t100ta-dk023h aiuto…..!!!!!
Joseph
My zinox Gtx prime laptop can’t boot up and I reload it but failed to accept my previous password.
I have finished the windows 10 installation on it after which I restart and it shows invalid password.Please how can I remove it or any other means ans resetting it let me know.Thanks
Kenzi Merchant
I tried all of these codes for my Error code. But none worked. I really do not want to take my Laptop apart. My Error code is [ i 56725703 ]. Please help me.
Edmund Mendoza
Hello I’ve got a enter (administrator password or power on password ) on my computer. I enter the password you’ve provided but it’s too long. My system disable code is I 59058658 the code you provided is yundefinedqo1qugqu
Henri
I have a Alienware M17xR4 I need bios password this is the code it is generating C69872C3D469D8D6 I tried pass generator but no luck any help would be appreciated thank you
Khudabux
X21A5077123-1F5A
Plz mujhe code generate kar ke din .mujgh se bio ka code lag gaya hai mene jab window karne ki koshish ki to ye lakha aaraha hai
Aleksey
Hi, i have a Acer Aspire A315-51-59PA and my key have a 10 digits: 1577295592
How i can get the code? Generator can`t calculate the code for Insyde20 for 10 digits 🙁
Please, help.
SED quest
I have an SSD with hardware SED (Crucial MX200) encryption. It is protected by the password of the drive in the BIOS of the Dell Latitude D630 (unless it is ATA Password ??).
How will this disk behave after resetting this password with a generator? Simply change the disk password, will not the data on the disk be available?
If the data on the disk will be visible, then this encryption is not worth anything 🙁
Frank Volke
Hello,
i have a Fujitsu Lifebook A555 with Hash 0B3E-0421-8067-6550-0462-8546. I need the Master Password for this. All Generators are only for 5×4 Hash not for 6×4 Hash. Can you help me?
Best regards
Frank
tony verschoor
hello i have a hp x360 the code im getting is i 51538467
steve
I have a hp-stream 11-ay010wm I need bios password this is the code it is generating I 59992934 tried pass generator but no luck any help would be appreciated thank you
Cobby
Hi there, I’m having bios disabled on my Samsung 450R5J after trying the password for three times I get something like “CAAD7598AB2F573BF3FC98947CA5EBA219BD4698C201“ but after entering to generate a code, I don’t get any response.
Please kindly help me
Joe Suznovich
86329510 is the error code, the 2 codes given by the above generator do not work.
axel2
por favor necesito la contraseña administrador modelo HP 240 g5 el código que me da es (i 51322312)
no me sirve 44080934
Arjun
I need to unlock bios password from hasse k530w
OZCar Electronics
hi i need reset bios pass CF-D1
panasonic toughbook CF-D1
Bios 25L12873F
this is Tablet from Mercedes Diag tool
i need Find password
Thanks
My Skype psx000
Vicky
I have HP note book
Model 14-bs006ne
I tried the pw generator and it gave me yundefinedqq7qgxfg.
But this pw didn’t fit.
Pls help me
fussel
Hy
Brauche Hilfe für Fujitsu Laptop:
Lifebook E Serie:
habe 3hqgo3 , jqw534 , 0qww294e eingegeben und folgenden
Hash Code erhalten:
0222-3927-2136-7422-9602-8275 bzw.
0222-3927-2005-2359-9701-1843 erhalten.
Mit dem Passwortgenerator-Tool komme ich nicht weiter.
vielen Dank im voraus
mubarak
I have dell inspiron 1525.is bios admin lock i need to unlock .#45FSTF1-595B, any help please .
Alexander
Thank you guys so much, it really work for both of my Dell 5520 (2nd hand bought that had a BIOS password).
Important: I used the Ctrl+Enter to enter the code !
Jen
I have a Asus laptop r503u. Serious problem. need bios password
Sabin
Hi!
Please help with this:
First password: 3hqgo3
Second password: jqw534
Third password: 0qww294e
Model: Fujitsu E736
Hash Code:
0293-0594-8147-3826-7713-6562
kEYBOARD QWERTY
Thank you very much!
John Galada
Hi, my Samsung NP305E5A A08US gave various system disabled numbers and each time I entered those numbers I got no response from the Password Generator. Than I noticed that the disable number had 18 numbers (ten numbers and eight zeros), which I eliminated two zeros and each time I disabled the laptop and entered those numbers in the Generator, minus two zeros, I got this number: 0000,aa, But when I restart the laptop and the system code box appears, I enter the number above but the commas won’t enter into the code.
Therefore, my question is whether leaving the two zeros of the number matters? And secondly, how can I get the commas to get recognized in the code??????
Adrian
I have a HP 14-ax010wm and I need to access BIOS . Do not have the password. Can you help?
alami
Hello,
Mini Netbooks Advent 4211-B
Dan
Late model HP Pavilion 15-au018wm with a lock code: [I 52992641] any help would be appreciated. Dan
Tyler
I have a HP Elite X2. Screen is at the BIOS Password or POST Admin password screen. Can’t get either to work and after 3 attempts it just asks to shutdown tablet. No checksum or halt code.
Can;t find CMOS battery and have tried disconnecting and reconnecting battery as well.
malek
Hello
I have HP laptop 6530b
Number: cnu83801lj
I want to remove Bios password
Please..
Thanks for support
Agaluma
NEED MASTER PASSWORD
Inspiron 15
98621×1
Jerry
Hello,
I have a Toshiba L355D laptop that is stuck on the Enter Current Password blue screen and which causes laptop not to boot. Is there a way I can retrieve password? I am working on this for a customer.
Thank you!
mthandeni
Hello guys
I have a corei5vpro mecer proficint.DQ77MK motherboard which as bios password,I can’t even go to the bios setup when I press F2.but before it ask password there is a warning say’s chassis intrusion.what can I do.
My WhatsApp number is 0719641961 email.mtshezimthandeni@gmail.com
Theophile Bertin Nshimiyimana .
hello guys
I have a Dell inspiron N5030 series which has a password authentication and It refuses to be removed!
what can I do?
help me!
my whatsapp number is +250788779170
thank you for your support.