A30p: Power on after 5+ years unused

[Davidhs]

I am aware of the forum rule about passwords, but would appreciate clarification of what has happened. It would help to know if I am completely stuck or not.

My old A30p has sat on a shelf unused with no power for over 5 years. (I am two TP generations on from the A30p)
It has an asynch port, unlike modern Thinkpads.
A friend has been using an old laptop with an asynch port for some telescope camera connection software (Maxim DL), but now his system has died. So I thought I would see if my old machine could help him.

But I have run into a power on password problem. As far as I can remember I have used the same power-on and BIOS password procedure for my PCs since the '90s, but the A30p won't let me in. Is it likely that after 5 or more years without ever being powered on, that some CMOS battery has died and the "lost" password is now preventing me from entering the right password?
Clearly the A30p thinks a password was set as it keeps asking for one, both the normal power-on pw and the BIOS one.

If all else fails my friend will have to acquire a new way of connecting to his telescope camera - and possibly a new camera. His present one is 10 years old, so that would not be a complete disaster.

Thanks

[rkawakami]

You are probably not stuck. Here's how the power-on and BIOS passwords work if they were both set:

- Power-on password prompt is presented every time the laptop is turned on
- Power-on password is removed by taking out the CMOS battery
- BIOS password prompt is presented only if you actively request access to the BIOS (via the F1 key at bootup)
- However, if the CMOS battery is removed or goes dead, the date and time is lost and the system will automatically prompt for the BIOS password each time the system is turned on
- Both password prompts look the same; an icon of a computer screen next to the lock symbol

In your case, I'd remove the CMOS battery anyway to guarantee that the power-on password is gone. Then enter the BIOS password and see if you can get access.

[RealBlackStuff]

Otherwise get in touch (via PM) with forum-member poshgeordie in Newcastle, who can help you further.

[Davidhs]

Thank you, rkawakami. As you suggested, after disconnecting the backup battery, I was able to log in.

... And so no need at the moment for this North Riding Thinkpad user to turn to Tyneside for help. But thanks for the offer, RealBlackStuff.

[Harryc]

Another classic lives on. Very nice show!