Clearing BIOS pass!

Whassup all! I just got me a used HP n3402 laptop. I has a bad HDD.
I bought a new one and as I pop the WIN2K CD to reformat, it wont run. My guess is that I have to set the CD-rom to be the first to boot in the BIOS, but i can access de BIOS because is asking for a password. The person I got it from doesnt know it either. I need to get inside the laptop to remove the small CMOS battery, but it just doesnt wanna open. Yes I removed about 20 screws all around, but no luck so far. Can you guys help me out?
Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays.....[ ]
Luis.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by 65beto

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'> I'm sorry to say but it sounds like you may have a stolen notebook. HP ships from factory without the password enabled. The legit owner must know it since he was the one to be smart enough to enable it. If he forgot the PW - he should contact HP.

also, read this:

LAPTOP AND NOTEBOOK RECOVERY
Most laptop manufacturers have provided additional safeguards for their computers. We are not aware of any simple BIOS recovery program that works on laptops, nor are we aware of any simple backdoor passwords for these machines. BIOS passwords in most laptops are stored in a special chip on the motherboard and the only way to bypass this password is to replace this laptop security chip. Laptop BIOS passwords cannot be bypassed or reset by removing or shorting the CMOS battery. <hr height='1' noshade id='quote'></font id='quote'></blockquote id='quote'>

Thats a bummer, What about all the paperwork, books and user manuals? Would that help?

 

If you have the paperwork, you are safe to contact HP. I don't think user can disable the BIOS password. Usually you need to solder a new chip on the motherboard as even dedicated companies find this procedure easier than getting the PW out of the old chip. Hope this helps.

 

I agree with alekkh, It sounds like you bought a stolen laptop. You cannot just open it up and disconnect a battery to reset the password, that is possible with desktop computers, but with the high theft rate of notebooks they have improved the security features so that they are not at all easy or cheap to get around. If the person who sold it to you was the real owner who enabled the security passwords then they were not just forgotten as they know if they forget the password/passwords they will most likely need to not only have the manufacturer replace the motherboard but possibly the hard drive as well if that password was set too. If you bought it with a check, I would stop payment on it. If you paid cash, your probably stuck unless you have a copy of the original purchase receipt so that HP will repair it.

Jack

"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" (Ben Franklin)
http://pbase.com/joneill

 

I agree it is fishy that the computer is locked. They will not unlock it unless they believe you are the owner and you will most likely need to pay the bill for the unlocking. There is no way around the password, just to back up everyone's statement on this.

Compaq R3000T (CTO)
P4 Desktop 3.0GHz w/HT
2 X 1024MB RAM
Radeon 9600 128MB
60GB 7,200RPM HD
AquaMark3: 24,257, 3DMark03: 3,115

 

best thing i can say is.. call hp.. see if the seriel number pulls up another name.. if it doesnt..get a BIOS password removal form faxed to you

I'd rather be skateboarding

 

Well, I was able to install the new harddrive with no problems, except the fact that almost done with WIN2K the computer froze and when I restarted again there was no way the laptop could see the new HDD anymore. Defective HD? How is the jumper supoused to be set at? cable selec, master ?
Thanks!

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by 65beto