What is Bios?
In computing, BIOS is firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process, and to provide runtime services for operating systems and programs. The BIOS firmware comes pre-installed on a personal computer’s system board, and it is the first software to run when powered on.
BIOS (basic input/output system) is the program a computer’s microprocessor uses to start the computer system after it is powered on. It also manages data flow between the computer’s operating system (OS) and attached devices, such as the hard disk, video adapter, keyboard, mouse and printer.
How do I enter BIOS?
To access your BIOS, you’ll need to press a key during the boot-up process. This key is often displayed during the boot process with a message “Press F2 to access BIOS”, “Press <DEL> to enter setup”, or something similar. Common keys you may need to press include Delete, F1, F2, and Escape.
WHAT IS A BIOS PASSWORD
A BIOS password is an authentication information that is sometimes required to log into a computer’s basic input/output system (BIOS) before the machine will boot up.
BIOS is the program a computer’s microprocessor uses to control the computer’s initial boot sequence and hardware Initialization. The BIOS password is stored in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) memory. In some computers, a small battery attached to the motherboard maintains the memory when the computer is off.
Because it provides an extra layer of security, a BIOS password can help prevent unauthorized use of a computer. A BIOS password can also be a liability, however, because if the computer owner forgets his password or a corporate user hands in his machine without disclosing the BIOS password, the computer will not boot up.
Sometimes, users encounter a password prompt at boot or the BIOS or CMOS setup is locked, as shown in the image below. If you do not know the BIOS password, you need to clear it. The following sections contain instructions on how to do so using multiple methods.
Follow these steps to clear the BIOS or CMOS password
Remove CMOS battery
Removing the CMOS battery, like the one shown in the picture, causes the system to lose all CMOS settings, including the BIOS password. Locate and remove the CMOS Battery from the motherboard for at least five minutes, then replace the battery and turn the computer back on.
On the computer motherboard, locate the BIOS clear or password jumper or DIP Switch and change its position. This jumper is often labeled CLEAR, CLEAR CMOS, JCMOS1, CLR, CLRPWD, PASSWD, PASSWORD, PSWD or PWD. To clear, remove the jumper from the two pins currently covered, and place it over the two remaining jumpers. An example of the various jumper positions is shown in the image. Some computers may also clear the password by keeping the jumper open (one or no pins covered).
What if I can’t locate the CMOS password jumper?
The following list details the general locations for the CMOS jumper. It’s important to realize that most motherboards have multiple different jumpers, so you need to make sure you’re changing the correct jumper. If you cannot find the password jumper, consult your motherboard’s documentation by looking in the manual or downloading it from the manufacturer’s website.
- On the edge of the motherboard – Most jumpers are on the side of the motherboard for easy accessibility. Verify by looking at all visible edges of the motherboard.
- By the CMOS battery – Some manufactures place the jumper to clear the CMOS or BIOS password by the CMOS battery itself.
- By the processor – Some manufactures place the jumpers by the CPU of the computer.
- Under the keyboard or bottom of laptop – On a Laptop, the DIP switch are under the keyboard or on the bottom of the laptop. It is usually located in a compartment such as the one that contains memory. (Laptops usually use DIP switches, not jumpers.)
Once the appropriate jumper or DIP switch is located and toggled, the password should be cleared. Turn your machine on to verify that the password has bee reset. Once cleared, turn the computer off and return the jumper or DIP switch to its original position.
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