How Can I Recover BIOS Password?

Many computers are set to ask users a password at system boot up. This password is set in the system BIOS. If you fail to provide it, your PC won’t boot. Some BIOS may also be configured to ask for password when you try to access the BIOS setup information. If you forget these passwords, you may need to reset them before you can start using your PC or access the system BIOS settings.

The method you use to recover BIOS password, primarily depends on the type of BIOS your computer uses. Some of the commonly used BIOS are from AMI, Award, IBM and Pheonix.

Here we are going to discuss four methods that you can use to reset the password for your System BIOS.

Use a Backdoor BIOS Password

Most BIOS manufacturers include a backdoor password that works even when computer user has set a different password. These passwords are basically meant for testing and maintenance purposes and are periodically changed by the manufacturer.

If you have lost your BIOS password, you just need to make a simple search on the Internet to find out the backdoor BIOS password for the BIOS on your computer and you are through.

Reset Using A Third-Party Software

The BIOS information is stored on the computer itself. So, if you can access this information, you will know your BIOS password. There are several third-party software programs that are designed to access this information and recover the BIOS password. One such popular software is Spotmau PowerSuite.

Here are the steps that you can use to recover BIOS password using this tool:

1. Insert the Spotmau PowerSuite CD in your CD/DVD drive and start your PC.

The MAIN MENU of the tool will be displayed.




Main Menu

2. Select the ‘Password Recovery ’ command.
3. On the PASSWORD RECOVERY menu, select ‘Find BIOS/CMOS Password’.



Password Recovery Menu


The BIOS/CMOS Password tool console screen will display.




Password Recovery Console Screen


Here, to find your CMOS password, select option 2 or 3 depending on the BIOS on your computer. However, if you want to reset the password, select option 4.

If you choose to display the password, the tool will list possible passwords on the screen. You must write these down, restart your PC try using these passwords to gain access to your system or system BIOS. If they don’t work, it is best that you reset the password by using the Spotmau PowerSuite tool.

Reset Using Hardware

System BIOS is stored in the CMOS memory of the computer. This memory is maintained with the help of a battery even when your computer is switched off. If you take this battery out, it will reset all information in CMOS. In some computers, this battery is soldered to the motherboard. If this is the case, you need to search for a jumper on the motherboard to reset the BIOS password.

You can locate this jumper with the help of motherboard handbook or label on the motherboard itself.

Hint: This jumper is located near the CMOS battery and you can easily locate it on the motherboard.

Use Vendor Specific Solutions

If you have a branded computer, you can get specific information to recover the BIOS password for your computer. You can easily search for and obtain information on how to recover BIOS password for your computer from the Internet.

If you are facing some other issue due to which you are unable to boot Windows, check Repair Windows In Five Easy Steps and Windows Does Not Boot.

See also:

• Spotmau PowerSuite
• Boot Windows
• Repair Windows