Clear setup / bios password on XPS 17 Gen 2 (L702X)?

I had to replace the motherboard in my L702X XPS after a little DIY project went amiss. I purchased a refurb on ebay. Replaced the board and everything works fine, except I have one pretty big problem. The BIOS has a setup password enabled. I am able to boot and use the computer fine, but I'm not able to enter the BIOS, which is an issue for me. The BIOS gives me 3 tries to enter the password, showing a HEX number as a 'hint'. After 3 attempts, I get a message that the system is locked and a new hex password 'hint' is shown, which later appears if I try to enter the BIOS next time. I reached out to the ebay seller and they told me they had no idea what the password was. They were nice about it and offered to exchange the board, but I really don't feel like spending 2 hours to take apart / re-assemble this laptop yet again. I've read things that said you can generate a key using the Service Tag, but it seems like the service tag actually assigned to the motherboard is blank based on Dell's diagnostics.

How can I reset / remove the password? My understanding is that with the new uefi bios, removing the CMOS battery will not clear the password. Is there anything I can do short of replacing the motherboard again? I have no issues taking the machine apart, but from the looks of the service manual, there is no jumper or anything that I can reset.

Thanks!

 

If the seller can't help you, you should call Dell support. I don't know if they'll help you or not, as you did the motherboard replacement on your own, but it's worth trying.

Additionally, according to the forum rules:

You may be stuck with returning the board for a new one.

 

Only way is to contact Dell, otherwise thread locked.