Need to Reset BIOS password

[goaliman12]

I need to reset the BIOS password on my computer, so that I can access the BIOS.....how can I do that? im not sure exactly what motherboard and stuff i have, but any help you give me is much appreciated.
thanks
matt collinsworth

http://www.pcquest.com/content/handson/102020609.asp

[daveleau]

There may be a BIOS reset jumper near the CMOS battery. The CMOS battery is usually a round battery (CR-2032 lithium battery). The jumper would be over 2 of three connectors.

If you are not comfortable with that, or don't have one,t hen you can unplug the system and remove the CMOS battery. Leaving it for 5 minutes like this should clear the BIOS and set it back to factory defaults, which would not have a password. If it does not clear after 5 minutes, then leave it for a few hours with the battery out and the system unplugged. The time needed varies from techie to techie. My experience has been that the CMOS is reset immediately, but others have reported that they sometimes need to let the system sit for several hours.

[goaliman12]

how does the cmos battery come out? ive located it, but im not sure of exactly how to remove it safely

thanks

[daveleau]

The battery usually sits in a plastic mount with one side having a lower side so you can get something under the battery. I usually use a flathead screwdriver and gently pry the battery out. You need to be careful that nothing damages the board circuitry around the battery housing, but there is nothing under the battery that can be easily damaged. And the battery is not connected to anything underneath.

Here's a link with pics:
http://www.liverepair.com/encycloped...mosreplace.asp

[billniceguy]

re battery out...i have seen actual situation where battery had to be out for 26 hours, but 5-10 min is usual
Also, unplug power when messing with batt

[goaliman12]

Keep your motherboard manual handy. Locate the battery on the motherboard (looks similar to a digital watch battery, as big and flat as a one rupee coin). Press the clip located on its socket. You may use a tiny screwdriver, but never apply too much force. The battery will pop out. Short-circuit the connectors in the socket with the screwdriver. Refer to the manual and locate BIOS Reset jumper. This is normally a set of two pairs of terminals with a jumper already set on one pair. The manual will specify whether you have to remove the jumper or place it on the adjacent terminals. Do accordingly and power up the PC momentarily and then switch it off. Replace the jumper to its default position and also the battery in its socket. Boot up again.


that site says to do that with 'newer motherboards'
do any of you happen to know if an "ASUS A7M266"
would need that procedure?

thanks again
matt