Deleting or changing an existing system setup password
Prerequisites
Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing System
and/or Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password, if the Password Status is Locked.
About this task
To enter the System Setup, press F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press Enter.
The System Security screen is displayed.
2. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.
3. Select System Password, update, or delete the existing system password, and press Enter or Tab.
4. Select Setup Password, update, or delete the existing setup password, and press Enter or Tab.
NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password, reenter the new password when prompted. If you delete the
System and/or Setup password, confirm the deletion when prompted.
5. Press Esc and a message prompts you to save the changes.
6. Press Y to save the changes and exit from System Setup.
The computer restarts.
Clearing CMOS settings
About this task
CAUTION: Clearing CMOS settings will reset the BIOS settings on your computer.
Steps
1. Remove the
2. Wait for one minute.
3. Replace the
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords
About this task
To clear the system or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at
.
NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying Windows
or your application.
Updating the BIOS
Updating the BIOS in Windows
Steps
1. Go to
.
2. Click Product support. In the Search support box, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Search.
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