Thinkpads Forum

Hi, so I'm fixing a T61 where the user forgot his Power-On Password. So I tried the published method of unplugging from A/C power, removing the main battery, removing the backup battery, reconnecting A/C, and posting. It is supposed to remove the POP. Well it didn't.

I got the time error and the cmos checksum message (See below), but then it prompted for the POP. I'm positive that it is the Power-On Password its prompting for because of the icon to the left of the lock is the little "computer".

Removal method and icons explained here:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... migr-59377

Does anyone know why this isn't working? When I try to enter the BIOS, I'm asked for the POP not the SVP. Is that normal?

Error messages:
0271: Check date and time settings
0251: System CMOS checksum bad - Default configuration used

If there is a password on the hard disk as well, removing the CMOS battery will not clear the POP password!
If you have worked out the POP password, you need to first put the hard disk back in, then enter the POP password.
Now you'll see the "hard disk locked" icon, enter the HD password, and only now can you get into the BIOS.
I just had this problem with a T40, which I did unlock following the above method.

See also this:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-59377

This machine has an SVP password set as well, you just can't see the prompt for it. When you clear the POP, it does clear in the system but the icon on boot is still the POP icon waiting for the SVP, it never shows an SVP icon. Of course we can't discuss disabling or circumventing SVP passwords on this forum. Locking thread.