For newer laptops there is a USB version that is expensive, and I would suggest returning the laptop to Toshiba if you have a warranty, as they will general do this for you. It can generally be found on ebay by looking for 'Toshiba bios password' or something similar. įor older laptops there is a parallel port version that is relatively inexpensive. If this doesn't work you can use a hardware reset tool.
Here is a download for a keydisk generator: Some Toshiba's can be convinced to bypass the startup BIOS password if you hold down the LEFT-SHIFT key while booting the system. You'll enter the BIOS configuration where you can set a new password. Once you have created the key disk put it into the notebook's drive and turn it on, then push the reset button and when asked for password, press Enter. To create a Toshiba Keydisk, take a 720Kb or 1.44Mb floppy disk, format it (if it's not formatted yet), then use a hex editor such as Hex Workshop to change the first five bytes of the second sector (the one after the boot sector) and set them to 4B 45 59 00 00 (note that the first three bytes are the ASCII for "KEY". Some Toshiba notebooks allow to bypass BIOS by inserting a "key-disk" in the floppy disk drive while booting. There is info at the bottom three links above, as well as my synopsis below.
This is not always necessary as there is a software that is geared specifically for Toshiba laptops. If you have issues, google "latitude.exe" and read the details.įor Toshiba laptops there is a hardware key that can be used to remove the password.
If it is not a 5 character code on your model, then this program will probably not work, but it is worth trying the first 5 and last 5 digits, anyway. You have to substitute 12345 with your 5-character service tag number. Go to the directory with the LATITUDE.EXE program in it. Go into a command-session (or DOS-box) in any OS you like. You can google "latitude.exe" and read about it, or just go for it below. There is also a utility that lets you generate "Master" passwords on certain models from the Service Tag number.
For many of these models the chip is located near the RAM, so full disassembly is not required: There is a EEPROM chip that stores the data. Heres an example for the Latitude d600 This tool also works well: For the Latitude C640 and similar models the BIOS is not resettable by battery removal. Just do a search in their support section under your model number. Īcer laptops generally have DIP switches that can be used to remove the password, see the following for an example:įor some models CTRL+ALT+ESC or F2 allows for boot to BIOS.ĭell's website has instructions for practically all their laptops. Some laptops will provide a lockout code which can be used to generate a password to login. Most laptops can have their password removed using !BIOS from the links above or CMOSpswd available here: These require the laptop to get into windows or boot from a CD. This is all fine and good but disassembling a laptop can be a time consuming process. Generally the CMOS battery is either in a hidden compartment near the main battery, or is a button cell on the motherboard such as seen here: Other laptops will have switches or jumpers for removing the password such as this ACER: The large battery used for running the computer when it is not plugged into the the wall, and another smaller battery that powers the real time clock and CMOS ram. General Laptops Laptops generally have two batteries. To burn this CD use a software such as the free software IMGBurn from
There is also a bootable CD that will read the BIOS passwords for some models which you can download for free at the link below: If your using a laptop this can be a pain, and there are some software solutions available (I would try !BIOS first, info at links below), so if this doesn't work there are several guides on the internet that have alternative methods, I have organized the most useful ones below: After removing it for about 10 seconds reinstall the battery and you should be good to go. Unplug the power from your computer, and then remove the battery. This will, on almost all motherboards, reset the BIOS to its default value. This is usually the way to go for the majority of laptops and practically all desktops. This guide is distributed by if you received this from any other address it is an unauthorized sale! BIOS PASSWORD REMOVAL GUIDE & LINKS The best method I have found is removing the battery.