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    Need to access BIOS on Compaq nx6325

    Discussion in 'HP Business Class Notebooks' started by BigDirty, Jan 19, 2012.

  1. BigDirty

    BigDirty Newbie

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    About 5 months ago my used laptop died. I bought a new HD for it because it was way past due, however when I try to reinstall Windows XP or 7 on the drive I get the error "A disk read error occurred".

    • I have verified that the disk is good after I returned it once for another new one to find I got the same error.
    • I have verified the memory works fine using Memtest.
    • My friend who just closed his laptop store said that this is most likely due to compatibility mode needing to be turned on in BIOS, however when I try to access BIOS using F10, I am directed to a screen that says Setup Password and I have no password that works from the previous owner who sold it to me on Craigslist.
    • I even tried removing the BIOS battery however the password must be stored in nonvolatile memory because it didn't change a thing when I returned the battery after 5 minutes.

    Can anyone lend me some advice on how to access BIOS or any other wisdom on another avenue to pursue fixing my disk error?
     
    BigDirty, Jan 19, 2012
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  2. joako24

    joako24 Notebook Enthusiast

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    No it's not compatibility mode. You should always leave AHCI enabled for best performance. It's probably just a failing disc drive. Do you have access to a 4GB or larger flash drive or USB hard drive that can be formatted? Put Windows 7 on it and install from there. It will also be much faster than running the installation from the DVD.

    "If stringent security is enabled, the system board must be replaced
    to reset an unknown password."
     
    joako24, Jan 22, 2012
    #2
  3. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    You can try using the biosconfigutility to modify the bios setting. Not sure if it works when there's a admin password on the bios.

    Otherwise you'd need to replace the bios chip (if socketted) or systemboard to get rid of the bios password if the stringent security option was set.
     
    User Retired 2, Jan 25, 2012
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