Removing boot password on 770e

[scrible88]

I was given a Thinkpad 770e that has a bios/boot password. The password is "twistedkansas" but the T key does not work. I would like to get into Windows without getting a new keyboard right now. How do I go about doing this? I took it apart and made sure the keyboard was plugged in. It was fine. I took all the ram, the battery, cmos battery, and a battery that plugged in inside the laptop (kinda rectangle-ish and yellow I think). It didn't help, password is still there.

Is there any way I can get the password off of it and get into Windows? I tried plugging in an external PS/2 keyboard. It lights up and everything but doesn't type anything at the password screen.

Suggestions??

[skygodtj]

With new 770 keyboards under $10, how can you -not- pop for a new kb?

http://search.ebay.com/ibm-770-keyboard_W0QQfromZR40

[LtTPfan]

Have you popped the plastic key face off, pulled the rubber contact out, and cleaned it with alcohol (or something)? It's very simple to pry up under any corner of the key to pop it off. To replace, put the rubber contact back in place then just center the key and press down. You'll notice the mechanism has a scissor action - just make sure it is laying flat, not extended when you press the key back on.

I use a 770 out in my shop in a pretty dirty environment and get junk inside the keys regularly and have to do this.

BTW, I think the 770 only allows for a 7-digit password. If you try the password as noted and it doesn't work, just use the first 7 digits.

[scrible88]

It will type lots more than 7 digits.

The problem with the "T" key is that when pressed, it types 3 characters instead of 1 and the password does not allow me to backspace.

[tfflivemb2]

Does the 770e have a ps2 port that you can plug an external keyboard into, so that you can type in the password correctly and change it?

[scrible88]

Does the 770e have a ps2 port that you can plug an external keyboard into, so that you can type in the password correctly and change it?

yeah it does and the keyboard lights up and all but doesn't type anything. It has a picture of a mouse next to the port so will it not work with a keyboard? Maybe it is disabled in the bios.

[LtTPfan]

It will type lots more than 7 digits.

The problem with the "T" key is that when pressed, it types 3 characters instead of 1 and the password does not allow me to backspace.

I understand it allows entry of more chars on bootup but when you set the password it only allows 7, at least that's how my 770, 770E, and 77EDs have been with the latest bios revisions.

Did you try cleaning the key as described?

[tfflivemb2]

Sorry, I just realized that your original post stated that you had tried this.

Even though the password won't let you backspace, will it let you "arrow" backwards?

[scrible88]

It will type lots more than 7 digits.

The problem with the "T" key is that when pressed, it types 3 characters instead of 1 and the password does not allow me to backspace.

I understand it allows entry of more chars on bootup but when you set the password it only allows 7, at least that's how my 770, 770E, and 77EDs have been with the latest bios revisions.

Did you try cleaning the key as described?

Yeah, it moves up and down just fine and I popped it off. It is very, very consistent and clean. It seems to me like an internal problem. It does the three character thing no matter what every... single... time...

annoying... haha

[pkiff]

Does the 770e have a ps2 port that you can plug an external keyboard into, so that you can type in the password correctly and change it?

yeah it does and the keyboard lights up and all but doesn't type anything. It has a picture of a mouse next to the port so will it not work with a keyboard? Maybe it is disabled in the bios.

In order to plug a PS/2 keyboard into that port on your 770E you need to use a "Y-splitter". IBM used to sell these for about $50USD a pop. They allow you to plug both a mouse and a keyboard into the same port. A mouse will work fine alone, but a keyboard will not work without the splitter in between.

You may be able to borrow one from someone? (or from a local repair store?). I can't say whether a generic PS/2 keyboard/mouse splitter will work or not. Nor can I say for sure if it will allow you to enter your password.

Phil.