How to Disable the Dell BIOS Setup Password
By Benny Taylor
Some Dell computers give you the ability to protect the hardware settings stored in the system BIOS (basic input/output system) with a password.
If you wish to disable the setup password, you have two options. If you know the current password you can disable the setting via the BIOS. If you have forgotten the password, you must open up the computer and change a jumper setting on the motherboard.
Disabling the Setup Password If You Have Access to the Current Password
Step 1
Power down your computer. Start the PC up again, pressing the "F2" key as soon as it powers up, to enter the BIOS setup program.
Step 2
Enter the current setup password to access the settings screen. Use the arrow keys to highlight "Setup password," and use the left and right cursor keys to change to setting to "not enabled."
Step 3
Press the "Esc" key to close the system setup program. Ensure you select the option to save your changes. Your computer will restart and the setup password will be disabled.
Disabling the Setup Password If the Current Password Has Been Lost
Step 1
Power down your PC and disconnect the main power cord. Open the computer case and touch a metal surface on the outer casing of the computer to ground yourself, preventing damage to any internal components.
Step 2
Look on the green motherboard for a small plastic "jumper" block connecting two pins labelled "PSWD." Carefully remove the jumper block connecting the two pins. Replace the PC cover and re-connect the computer's power cord.
Step 3
Power up the computer, holding "F2" as soon as it starts up to enter the BIOS setup program. Use the arrow keys to highlight "Setup password," and ensure it is set to "not enabled."
Press the "Esc" key to close the BIOS setup program.
Step 4
Power down the computer, disconnect it from the power source and remove the cover. As before, touch a metal surface on the outer casing of the computer in order to ground yourself, thus preventing damage to any internal components.
Replace the small plastic jumper connecting the two "PSWD" labelled pins. Close the computer cover.
Step 5
Power up your PC. The setup password should now be disabled.
References
Tips
- Your Dell computer documentation should provide further information as to the exact location of the jumper pins for your specific Dell model.
- A jumper is a tiny plastic block, approximate 5mm x 2mm in size.
Warnings
- This procedure involves opening up your computer, which could invalidate your warranty. You may prefer to seek assistance from a trained computer engineer.
- It is essential to ground yourself using a metal surface on your PC before touching any internal components, to avoid damage to your system.
Writer Bio
Benny Taylor has been writing travel, food and computer articles since 2009. His articles about Portugal have been featured by “Living Abroad” magazine. Taylor studied ITIL IT service management in the City of London and is also a Microsoft-certified small-business specialist.