DOS Password Problem

[chilipie]

I've got a big problem. I've got a PC running Win. XP SP2, and I can't start it up. Why? Because my dad put a password on the DOS thingy when it's booting, and he can't remember it. Reinstalling Windows or formatting the harddrive is definately not going to happen - we've got a hell of a lot of files on there. So what should I do? Take a hammer to it, or is there a better (albeit less fun :p ) solution?

[black3842]

Most likely it's a BIOS password, not a DOS password. You can remove this password normally by using a jumper on the motherboard to reset the BIOS....thus not losing anything. Post exactly what make/Model of computer you have and I'll try to look up the Motherboard info on the Net to tell you which jumper to change.

Alternatively, you can sometimes just remove the BIOS battery and then put it back in - possibly a simpler solution. It looks like a watch battery kind of, usually about the size of a nickel or quarter and flat - if you do this be careful not to damage the clip that holds it in.

[oracleguy]

That jumper that your talking about is the same as removing the battery, they just use jumper cuz it is easier to do than removing those silly batteries most of the time.

Depending on the motherboard manufactuer, usually the jumper is pretty clearly marked.

[chilipie]

LOL :p My Dad found the password - it was written on a piece of paper that had somehow got into his wallet :D . Thanks for your help anyway, sorry to have bothered you.