How many Passwords are on this thing?

[Lacey294]

I just picked up a used T41-2373(-277) and included were two passwords. The first one is the one I enter when the machine first starts up in the black screen, and the second one is to sign in as a user (administrator). I thought the first one was the Bios password and would allow me to make changes to any parts of the system. Firstly I wanted to disable having to enter a password upon start up. I got so far as the Bios setup utility and it says if I want to make changes to consult the System supervisor. The current settings in the Password options are: Passphrase-Enabled; Supervisor password-Enabled; Current setting-Disabled. Power-on Password - [Enabled] Hard Disk1 - [User+Master] . I'm not able to change any of these settings. Can someone explain this to me? I'm not very tech savy so bear with me. I want to wipe the hard drive clean and start fresh with a copy of xp pro.

3rd password missing?

[richk]

You need the supervisor password. If the seller cannot provide it, you need to ask for a refund and return it.

[Lacey294]

Oh that hurt! I love this machine but even if I didn't and wanted to return it, the sale was final. So there's no possible way of wiping the hard drive clean or installing a new hard drive under these conditions?

[Navck]

A. Clear the BIOS by unplugging the backup battery
B. Flash the BIOS if you can to a newer version
C. Get program to crack password (~ Second to last resort)
D. Physically remove the BIOS chip if you can and get a new one (Wouldn't recommend, requires skill and patience)

[RealBlackStuff]

Not being allowed here to be any more specific: the password is NOT stored in the BIOS.
Replacing the BIOS has no effect whatsoever!

Since there is already a BIOS-lock password on it, removing the CMOS battery will block the machine completely!
At least at the moment you can run it (without being able to change the BIOS).
Once that CMOS-battery is removed, the laptop will automatically become blocked by a Supervisor Password, and you will not be able to run anything at all any more!

Lacey294, check your new messages (at the top of this page).