Thinkpad Z60m password problem

[Attache]

I need somebody´s help urgently. I´ve had a Thinkpad Z60m for more than a year, and have been relatively happy with it. I have been using the fingerprint to Power-on the computer. Just a few days ago, however, it started acting up (nothing too serious, but annoying). It took several trials for the computer to recognize my fingerprint, so I decided to switch to a password. So, yesterday I followed the dialog box, switched between fingerprint and password, entered a new password, and turned the machine off to complete the process, but it was then that my problem began. Apparently, though I can honestly say that I don´t remember ever doing that, I had given the computer a BIOS/Supervisor password. So, now the machine won´t boot up, and I can´t go past the prompt to enter the Power-on password because the computer won´t accept the password I entered yesterday. And of course, I can´t remember, or more accurately, I don´t know the BIOS password. I´ve been reading "fixes" on listservs, and Lenovo´s website, and they all look quite scary--as if the only solution is to phisically replace the HDD, and deal with the embedded security chip. Is there something more realistic that can be done? Help will greatly be appreciated as I depend on this computer for work.

[ryengineer]

snip...........Is there something more realistic that can be done?.......snip

Efficient thing would've been you had password(s) written down somewhere safe, realistic thing at this moment is you remember the lost BIOS password, sorry.

[Attache]

Ry,

Fact of the matter is that I didn´t enter a BIOS password at all.

[ryengineer]

Fact of the matter is that I didn´t enter a BIOS password at all.

Some users say they set it by mistake by leaving the fields empty, make sure that isn't the case. Please take a look at this thread and check out this document from lenovo. If that doesn't help then I'm afraid I won't be able to assist you further.

Good Luck!

[Attache]

Ry,

From what I could glean from the Lenovo website, what my computer needs is the POP (power-on password).

I kept checking the manufacturer´s website and found this link:
BIOS Settings Capture/Playback Utility - ThinkPad General:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-41472

Do you know if this might deal in some way with the issue at hand?

Again, grateful for your help.

[Attache]

Ry,

One of the "solutions" that Lenovo suggests is pressing F1 when turning on the computer. I did that and got this message:

ERROR
0199: System Security--Security password retry count exceeded.

And then way at the bottom of the screen it prompts me again to enter <F1> to enter SETUP. But when I do that it gives me the little icons (a computer screen and a lock) on the upper left hand corner.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help.

[egibbs]

Try just hitting enter (blank password) at that prompt. If that doesn't work try everything you might have ever used or thought of using as a password

The alternatives suck as you've discovered. That is by design.

Ed Gibbs

[Attache]

Ed,

Apparently the computer´s security chip uses, or has a mechanism, that counts the number of times that one attempts to log on. It also appears to have a limit of times (a ceiling) that one can enter passwords. Now, the question is whether that number is for the POP or for the SVP. As I said on a previous post, what I´m getting is the prompt for the power-on password since I get a little computer next to a lock. But I haven´t been able to get to the BIOS.

Thanks to all who have offered suggestions. By now, I´m getting desperate.

[GomJabbar]

ERROR
0199: System Security--Security password retry count exceeded.

I believe you are encountering the anti-hammering delay of the security chip (see link below).

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 597#254597

[egibbs]

It is time to seek professional help.

Lenovo will replace the system board. This is not inexpensive but it is the only method we can discuss here, and the only one guaranteed not to brick your machine.

Ed Gibbs

[Attache]

If it's indeed the anti-hammering delay of the security chip, how do I fix that so that I can enter into the BIOS?

[GomJabbar]

You have to wait for the timeout period to elapse before you try to enter a password again. Each time you enter an incorrect password, the timeout period increases in length.