T20 problem

[rickm]

I have a T20 and have run into a problem. The last time i turned it on I only get a black screen with a little picture of a computer and lock in the upper left of the screen. Thats all, and the computer locks up. Does anyone know what is going on and what that little computer means? Thanks!

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

What you are describing is the BIOS (supervisor) password prompt. Your system has been set so that entry into the BIOS setup pages is protected by a password. I'm assuming that you are seeing this for the first time (i.e., the laptop has worked fine for you before). If that is the case, then what has probably happened is that your backup (CMOS) battery has gone dead and that you or someone else has enabled the BIOS password. When the CMOS battery goes dead, the system loses the date and time settings. When booted, the BIOS sees the incorrect time AND the enabled supervisor password and presents you with this icon (lock and computer). You must provide the password to enter the BIOS and reset the date and time.

Furthermore, discussion of ways to get around the BIOS password is not allowed per FAQ #12:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=1689