Power-on password: T60 acting up

[thinktank]

Hi there,

First: I do understand the password rules here. I am not looking to hack anything or recover any p/w. I know the passwords, but my 2007-C4U all at sudden started to request a power-on password. It never did that before and I don't recall ever setting one. I can't change it in the BIOS settings either. This started after a few blue screens in Internet Explorer (latest version). How is this possible?

The power-on password is actually 4 spaces, as in hitting the space bar four times. I found that out by coincidence when ititially trying out the usual "default" passwords. And I do not recall ever entering this password. Well, I have it and can power up the computer, but I can't change it. The BIOS prompt for the p/w/ change settings will not accept the spacebar character and beep at me instead. So in short: I can't enter the correct password and in return can't change or delete it either. Very bizarre. No other BIOS passwords are set. Windows start up just requires my usual password or fingerprint. Works as before.

[Harryc]

There is an option in BIOS under security called "Using pass-phrase" . Enable it and try the spaces again. Also make sure the "password reset service" is enabled.

[thinktank]

There is an option in BIOS under security called "Using pass-phrase" . Enable it and try the spaces again. Also make sure the "password reset service" is enabled.

Thanks Harry. I can't enable "using pass-phrase". Can't scroll or tab to it. It's greyed out. "password reset service" is set to enabled/in process.

Thanks.

[richk]

If you cannot change the settings, it sounds like you really have a supervisor password, not POP. You can clear the POP by pulling the battery, A/C and CMOS battery. (described in hardware maintenance manual) If you have a supervisor password and pull the batteries, the process will make the machine unusable, so if there is any chance you have a supervisor paassword, don't do it.

[thinktank]

If you cannot change the settings, it sounds like you really have a supervisor password, not POP. You can clear the POP by pulling the battery, A/C and CMOS battery. (described in hardware maintenance manual) If you have a supervisor password and pull the batteries, the process will make the machine unusable, so if there is any chance you have a supervisor paassword, don't do it.

That's weird. Supervisor password is clearly set to "disabled". So is "lock BIOS settings".

[richk]

If SV password says disabled, you don't have one. You can reset POP as I described, but I am not comfortable without seeing the machine, and that doesn't seem likely since Boston is a long way from San Francisco.

[thinktank]

If SV password says disabled, you don't have one. You can reset POP as I described, but I am not comfortable without seeing the machine, and that doesn't seem likely since Boston is a long way from San Francisco.

Followed the instructions with sweaty hands. It worked!

Thanks

[Harryc]

Phew...I was getting nervous for a minute/sweating.