Power-On Password, CMOS Reset
A power-on password denies access to the system by an unauthorized user
when the system is powered on. When a power-on password is active, the
password prompt appears on the screen each time the system is powered
on. The system unit starts after the proper password is entered.
In some cases, you might be required to service a system with an active and
unknown power-on password. To clear a password from the system, first
identify the system CMOS jumper by referring to “System Board
Layout—Type A-1” on page 5-2 and “System Board Layout—Type A-2” on
page 5-5, then follow these steps.
1. Power-off the system unit.
2. Unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet.
Attention: Do not attempt these steps with the power cord plugged into
the electrical outlet. The power supply maintains +5 V dc of auxiliary
power when the power switch is powered off. System damage might
result if the power cord is not unplugged during testing.
3. Locate the power on password jumper on the system board.
4. Move the jumper from pins 1-2 to pins 2-3 to erase the password. See
“System Board Layout—Type A-1” on page 5-2 and “System Board
Layout—Type A-2” on page 5-5.
5. The system detects the change and the password, time, and date are
erased from memory. Power Management settings are also deleted.
(See “Power Management” on page 1-21.)
6. Move the jumper from pins 2-3 to pins 1-2 for normal operation.
7. Plug the power cable into the electrical outlet and power-on the system
unit.
8. Run the Setup Utility to restore the configuration settings. Press Esc to
save with the password disabled.
9. When you are finished servicing the machine, run the Setup Utility to
restore the configuration settings. (You must reset the time, date, and
System Board Type Jumper
System Board Type A-1 Password Jumper JP6
System Board Type A-2 Password Jumper JP3
1-14