Prerequisites
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that are shipped with your product.
Disabling a forgotten password:
Power off the system and all attached peripherals. Disconnect the system from the electrical outlet, and disconnect the peripherals.
Remove the system cover:
Using a 1/4-inch flat head or a Phillips #2 screwdriver, rotate the lock counterclockwise to the unlock position.
Lift the release latch until the system cover slides back.
Lift the cover from the system.
Move the jumper on the system board from pins 2 and 4 to pins 4 and 6.
Installing the system cover:
Align the tabs on the system cover with the guide slots on the system and slide the system cover.
Close the system cover release latch.
Using a 1/4-inch flat head or Phillips #2 screwdriver, rotate the lock clockwise to the lock position.
NOTE: The existing passwords are not disabled (erased) until the system boots with the jumper on pins 4 and 6. However, before you assign a new system and/or setup password, you must move the jumper back to pins 2 and 4.
NOTE: If you assign a new system and/or setup password with the jumper on pins 4 and 6, the system disables the new password(s) the next time it boots.
Reconnect the peripherals and connect the system to the electrical outlet, and then power on the system.
Power off the system.
Remove the system cover:
Using a 1/4-inch flat head or a Phillips #2 screwdriver, rotate the lock counterclockwise to the unlock position.
Lift the release latch until the system cover slides back.
Lift the cover from the system.
Move the jumper on the system board from pins 4 and 6 to pins 2 and 4.
Installing the system cover:
Align the tabs on the system cover with the guide slots on the system and slide the system cover.
Close the system cover release latch.
Using a 1/4-inch flat head or Phillips #2 screwdriver, rotate the lock clockwise to the lock position.
Reconnect the peripherals and connect the system to the electrical outlet, and then power on the system.
Assign a new system and/or setup password.
