System board jumper settings
For information about resetting the password jumper to disable a password, see the
Disabling a forgotten password
section.
Table 30. System board jumper settings
Jumper
Setting
Description
PWRD_EN
The BIOS password feature is enabled.
The BIOS password feature is disabled. The BIOS password is
now disabled and you are not allowed to set a new password.
NVRAM_CLR
The BIOS configuration settings are retained at system boot.
The BIOS configuration settings are cleared at system boot.
CAUTION:
Be careful when changing the BIOS settings. The BIOS interface is designed for advanced users. Any
change in the setting could prevent your system from starting correctly and you might have potential loss of
data.
Disabling a forgotten password
The software security features of the system include a system password and a setup password. The password jumper enables or
disables password features and clears any password(s) currently in use.
Prerequisites
CAUTION:
Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by
your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that are shipped with your product.
Steps
1. Power off the system, and all the attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove the system cover.
3. Move the jumper on the system board from pins 2 and 4 to pins 4 and 6.
4. Replace the system cover.
NOTE:
The existing passwords are not disabled (erased) until the system boots with the jumper on pins 4 and 6.
However, before you assign a new system and/or setup password, you must move the jumper back to pins 2 and 4.
NOTE:
If you assign a new system and/or setup password with the jumper on pins 4 and 6, the system disables the new
password(s) the next time it boots.
5. Reconnect the system and all the attached peripherals.
6. Power off the system.
7. Remove the system cover.
8. Move the jumper on the system board from pins 4 and 6 to pins 2 and 4.
9. Reinstall the system cover.
10. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and power on the system, and all the attached peripherals.
11. Assign a new system and/or setup password.
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Jumpers and connectors
