Thinkpads Forum

Hi All,

The seller of an X61s I've just received didn't mention in the advert that it's BIOS password protected. Could anyone please PM me with the latest and greatest on X61s BIOS password recovery? The following approach is of the top interest assuming it was ever disclosed back then:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 32#p718532

A prompt response would be much appreciated as I have to make a quick decision whether to try BIOS password reset/recovery on my own or just return the laptop back to the seller (I'd personally favour the former as it's in great condition although it's clearly easier to return it).


Many thanks in anticipation!

dandreye wrote:
A prompt response would be much appreciated as I have to make a quick decision whether to try BIOS password reset/recovery on my own or just return the laptop back to the seller (I'd personally favour the former as it's in great condition although it's clearly easier to return it).

You may as well start packing that laptop up for sending it back. Or getting ready to spend some money on few "necessities" that I'm going to leave nameless.

Regardless of what "internet" - which we all know was invented by Al Gore - tells you, there's no "quick and easy" way to remove the password from a ThinkPad from this era. Equipment and knowledge are both required. That's as much as I can say on the subject matter.

Good luck.

ajkula66:

> You may as well start packing that laptop up for sending it back.

Thanks for your reply. That'd obviously be the easiest option as already pointed out - but unfortunately there's no learning exercise involved )


Any idea how many incorrect password entry attempts are usually there and what happens once they're depleted?

Check out compulsory rule #5.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=14339

Cigarguy:

> Check out compulsory rule #5.
>
> viewtopic.php?f=16&t=14339

Thanks for the reminder - it says literally the following:

5. Passwords: Discussion on how to defeat the **password or Security Chip on thinkpads specifically or lenovo/IBM branded computers in general will NOT be allowed.

In respect of this rule I've never intended to actually discuss anything like that here.

How many incorrect password entry attempts do I have anyway and what happens once they're depleted? (just in case the seller suggests any passwords to try before returning it)

My understanding is that you can enter as many attempts will no ill effect. In others words, I've not personally tried to enter >100 incorrect passwords and the system should still not lock you out permanently. After three consecutive unsuccessful tries, you'll have to power the system down and try again.

rkawakami:

Got it: thank you! Good to hear it's not just 3-5 attempts with some of them already wasted by previous owners )

Have fun!
If the password has a max. of only 8 numbers or only 8 letters, you have a total of 40,320 different combinations.
But if you have 8 different characters (e.g. 4 letters, 2 special characters, 2 numbers), you have 68 to the power of 8 = 457,163,239,653,376 different combinations.
If the passphrase is also set, you have umpteen trillions of combinations.
Lucky for you, there is no difference whether you use small or CAPITAL letters...

RealBlackStuff:

Yeah, sounds encouraging ))


Update:

The seller has said I just have to press Enter at that prompt - and I'm in now. Security > Password settings are:

Using Passphrase [Enter]
- Current setting: Enabled

Supervisor Password [Enabled]
Lock BIOS Settings [Enter]
- Current setting: Disabled
Set Minimum Length [Enter]
- Current setting: Disabled
BIOS password at unattended boot [Enter]
- Current setting: Enabled

Power-On Password [Disabled]
Hard Disk1 Password [Disabled]

Password Reset Service [Enter]
- Current setting: Enabled
- Status: In Process


Looks like I'm unable to change any of those except Hard Disk1 Password; most of the settings in other screens appear to be locked too. I understand I got into BIOS in user mode as opposed to Supervisor mode. Wondering if the settings in the last section i.e. Password Reset Service are giving me any hope at all?

dandreye wrote:Wondering if the settings in the last section i.e. Password Reset Service are giving me any hope at all?

No.