Return to MAIN-Index  Return to SUB-Index    IBM-AUSTRIA - PC-HW-Support    30 Aug 1999

CMOS Reset / Power-On Password (Aptiva 2170/71/72 - SL-A)



CMOS Reset

This system does not deny access to BIOS Setup Utility.
Execute 'Load BIOS Default Settings' in BIOS Setup to clear the corrupted CMOS data.
See 'Loading the Default Settings'.


Power-On Password

A power-on password denies access to the system by an unauthorized user when the system is powered on.
When a power-on password is active, the password prompt appears on the screen each time the system is powered on.

The system starts after the proper password is entered. See 'Power-on Password' for more information about how to change, remove and set password in BIOS Setup.

In some cases, you might be required to service a system with an active and unknown power-on password.
To clear a password from the system, follow these steps.

  1.  Turn off system unit.
  2.  Unplug power cable from the electrical outlet.

      -WARNING- Do not attempt these steps with the power cord plugged into the  electrical outlet.
     The power supply maintains +5 Vdc of standby power when the power cord is plugged.
     System damage might result if the power cord is not unplugged during jumper settings.

    Machine Type 2170: Set JP2 to 1-2 position to bypass password check process.
     See 'Machine Type 2170 System Board Jumpers and Connectors'.

    Machine Type 2171 and 2172: Set switch 5 of SW1 to the ON position to bypass password check process.
     See 'Machine Type 2171 and 2172 System Board Jumpers and Connectors'.

  3.  Plug power cable, turn on the system, and press F1 during POST to enter BIOS Setup menu.
  4.  Select 'Advanced Options', then enter 'Security Options' and set 'Power On Password' setting to 'None' to clear password.
  5.  Save and exit from BIOS Setup.
  6.  Turn off the system, unplug power cable from electrical outlet.


Machine Type 2170: Set JP2 to the 2-3 position to enable password check process.
See 'Machine Type 2170 System Board Jumpers and Connectors'.

Machine Type 2171 and 2172: Set switch 5 of SW1 to the OFF position to enable password check process.
See 'Machine Type 2171 and 2172 System Board Jumpers and Connectors'.
  -IMPORTANT- To reinstall the password, the user must enter a password in the Setup Utility.

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