American Megatrends MAN-759 Computer Hardware User Manual


 
Chapter 4 Deleting a Password 71
4 Deleting a Password
If you forget the passwords you set up through WINBIOS Setup, the only way
you can restart the computer is to erase the system configuration information
where the passwords are stored. System configuration data is stored in CMOS
RAM, a type of memory that consumes very little power.
Erase Old Password You can drain CMOS RAM power via J29 on the motherboard. J29 is a
2-pin berg that is normally always OPEN. Perform the following steps to
erase the old password.
Important
Make sure you are properly grounded before
performing the following procedure. You must be
certain that no electrostatic discharge (ESD)
occurs. ESD can ruin your motherboard. Wear an
antistatic wristband attached to a ground. See
“Avoid Static Electricity.”
Step Action
1 Turn the computer power off and remove the computer cover.
2 Place a shorting bridge on J29.
3 Turn on computer power for about 10 seconds.
4 Turn the computer off again.
5 Remove the shorting bridge from J29.
6 Turn on computer power again.
Since you drained power from CMOS RAM, all system
configuration information has been erased. You must now re-
enter the system configuration information by running
WINBIOS Setup.