Not being able to gain access to the BIOS Setup because of the password security is very frustrating. Not to fear, whether you forgot your password, or someone came along and entered one in just to be a moron, it is possible to reset the password and/or disable it.

First of all, your system may have reverted to its default password. Try these as passwords:

• AMI
• Award
• bios
• setup
• cmos
• AMI_SW (case sensitive)
• AMI!SW/
• AMI?SW/

NOTE: For Award BIOS, AWARD_SW (case sensitive) should even override a set password! If not, also try j262.

If none of those passwords worked, look in your motherboard/PC's manual for a jumper that will reset the CMOS. If you can't find it in the manual, look on your motherboard and find the battery. There should be a jumper with three (3) pins directly adjacent to the battery. To reset the CMOS Settings/Password, move the jumper to the 2-3 position if it is currently 1-2, or 1-2 if it is currently 2-3, then turn on the system, wait a few seconds, then turn the power off. Now, move the jumper back to the original pins. Presto, no more password.

If, however, you can't find a jumper, it may be necessary to remove the CMOS battery. If the battery is not soldered to the motherboard, this should be an easy task. With the computer's power off, remove the battery and replace it a few minutes later. That should do the trick.

Take note that resetting the CMOS settings may cause the motherboard to revert to a default password on some boards. The password is usually Award, AMI, etc...