my mother in law passed away about 6 months. My sister in law just gave me her pc but it is locked. from cold boot i hit f8 and nothing. I've even hit del but it takes me to a 3 chance password - still nothing. in the password it uses 7 digits. crl-alt del restarts and that is it - help. we belive my mother in law has important files, pics, and emails we would like to have not to mention - pass this old system to my daughter for old times sake.

can anything be done besides swapping hard drives?

sincerely,

Manny
hwcollectn@aol.com

Manny, November 2008

use a linux liveCD ( eg www.knoppix.org)

boot your computer off the live CD. you can then browse the computers' HD

grolma, December 2008

Followed the same info you suggested, remove battery, but also remove all power. So I unplugged the power cord and removed the power junction to the motherboard.
awaited 30 min. then re plugged everything

and a miracle - I'm in!

SO MANY-many-many thanks for the assist. You guys rock!

Sincerely,

Manny

Chris, November 2008

neg.... removed the panasonic cr 2032 3v batt and nothing. even rebooted without it. still asks "Enter CURRENT Password."

Manny, November 2008

http://www.dewassoc.com/support/bios/bios_password.htm

Snoops, November 2008

Hi, you need to remove the motherboard battery for 30 seconds, details on how to do this can be given in the next email if you want.email me at compdoctor2005@btinternet.com

Chris, November 2008