Author Topic: Reset IBM ThinkPad BIOS password (Read 11165 times)

Computer-Lab in Basement · « **on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 13:30:19 »

So I obtained an old IBM ThinkPad 570E from a trade. It is in really good shape and is in working condition, however it has a BIOS password on it. I looked it up online and came up with this. It told me to read the manual, which I did. Apparently there are two types of passwords that might be on this computer, a POP and a PAP. Does anyone here know how to reset or get rid of both of these types of passwords? All help appreciated.

itlnstln · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 14:13:36 »

Can you open it up and reset it using a jumper? We used to do that in the old days, I don't know if they still do that anymore. Alternatively, you could remove the battery for a day or so (the one on the mobo, not the main battery, but that might not be a bad idea, either). It's been so long since I have had to mess with BIOS resets that some of my advice is probably more applicable to MW's rigs.

Computer-Lab in Basement · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 14:21:53 »

I tried the jumpers and they didn't work. Perhaps I am not as qualified as MW when it comes to dealing with old technology.

ch_123 · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 15:19:31 »

Find the motherboard battery and pull it out. IIRC, these are externally accessible on older Thinkpads. Hope that there isn't any additional security in place.

itlnstln · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 15:21:04 »

Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement;289872

I tried the jumpers and they didn't work. Perhaps I am not as qualified as MW when it comes to dealing with old technology.

When you use the jumpers, be sure to leave them in the "reset" position for about 5 minutes or so. I can't remember why off the top of my head, but it has something to do with draining all the power from the BIOS, IIRC.

Computer-Lab in Basement · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 16:45:08 »

Removed CMOS battery and regular battery. How long should I wait to try it again?

itlnstln · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 16:47:13 »

I would give it a good 30 minutes or so. Overnight would be better. Tomorrow's Saturday. Go party tonight, and start fresh tomorrow.

Computer-Lab in Basement · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 16:51:31 »

Quote from: itlnstln;289969

I would give it a good 30 minutes or so. Overnight would be better. Tomorrow's Saturday. Go party tonight, and start fresh tomorrow.

Good plan. There is a well-stocked bar in my basement right outside my lab. Good times lie ahead :smile:

ch_123 · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 17:08:43 »

It's meant to be relatively instantaneous, but in reality you'd want to give it 1-2 minutes.

Computer-Lab in Basement · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 17:10:37 »

It's been that long, I'll try it again then...

Computer-Lab in Basement · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 17:19:19 »

Nope that didn't help. I just don't get it, it is obviously some sort of BIOS password because there is no HDD in this laptop so idk what to do. I'd hate to have to say its useless but it won't even let me boot to a HDD without that password. Any other possibilities?

Computer-Lab in Basement · « **Reply #11 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 18:17:35 »

Thanks for the link Ripster, my model is a TP model, so I just have to try that procedure and see if it works.

EDIT: Forget that, I would have to buy that thing. Not worth it for an old Pentium III ThinkPad. Well I guess now I have a nice paperweight.

Computer-Lab in Basement · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 18:53:26 »

cant do anything with it, no boot at all, it just loads BIOS and comes up with this prompt:

You get three attempts to put in the password and then you have to reboot.

Computer-Lab in Basement · « **Reply #13 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 20:39:58 »

No, Im just giving up on it. Oh well, i still have enough computers anyways lol...

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #14 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 22:31:35 »

I would at least look up a "top 100 passwords" type of list and go through them all. Shouldn't take long, and then at least you would know you really tried everything within reason.

EverythingIBM · « **Reply #15 on:** Fri, 04 February 2011, 23:22:39 »

Wait, try typing in "merlin" for the password. Or even "Merlin".

IBM sometimes used that as a bypass password.

Goodluck.

Computer-Lab in Basement · « **Reply #16 on:** Sat, 05 February 2011, 10:16:09 »

merlin is no good. I even tried some known Phoenix BIOS passwords and they didn't work. There is a way to retrieve the BIOS password, however it requires me to build an adapter and solder it to the mobo. Not the safest, but if I really want it I will just do it.

EverythingIBM · « **Reply #17 on:** Sat, 05 February 2011, 15:54:32 »

Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement;290270

merlin is no good. I even tried some known Phoenix BIOS passwords and they didn't work. There is a way to retrieve the BIOS password, however it requires me to build an adapter and solder it to the mobo. Not the safest, but if I really want it I will just do it.

or you could get a non-passworded system board.

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Author Topic: Reset IBM ThinkPad BIOS password (Read 11165 times)