Reset supervisor password for IBM Thinkpad 570...

**JungleMan1** · July 1st, 2004, 02:16 PM

OK, I got a free IBM Thinkpad 570, with one condition: I can't power it on!!

It prompts me for a password when I go into the BIOS and when I try to start it. I have no idea if it has a disk password, but if it does, its not a big deal, as I can always swap the disk.

Can anyone recommend how to get rid of the password? Is there a CMOS battery located on the motherboard or something?

Any and all help is appreciated. I like free stuff

**gazzak** · July 1st, 2004, 02:47 PM

There is a great site here that will help you.

All thinkpad hardware maintenance manuals are located here.

Download the one for your model, go to page 23 and that should help!

**gazzak** · July 1st, 2004, 02:50 PM

Just noticed that there is a sticky at the top of the Laptop area, links to the same place I just mentioned above, didn't want to be accused of thieving

**NooNoo** · July 1st, 2004, 02:53 PM

IBM supervisor password? or the hdd security pw? Either way, its an ibm job.

swapping the hdd won't help

**TechZ** · July 1st, 2004, 03:30 PM

Isnt there always a small battery that allows the mb to store the password, and if u remove it, it resets the password?

**JungleMan1** · July 1st, 2004, 09:48 PM

It's the IBM supervisor password...I tried the method to clear the power on password, didnt work...

Looks like I'll chalk this one up as a loss

wonder if the HDD is still good though.

**MobilePCPhysician** · July 1st, 2004, 10:09 PM

Well, if you got it free, and don't mind, send it to IBM and they will reset it for you. As long as it's not reported stolen to IBM, they will help you out.

You know, explain how you got it for free, and the person that gave it to you, well, he forgot the password. This happens all the time.

Let us know how it turns out.

**JungleMan1** · July 1st, 2004, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by MobilePCPhysician

Well, if you got it free, and don't mind, send it to IBM and they will reset it for you. As long as it's not reported stolen to IBM, they will help you out.

You know, explain how you got it for free, and the person that gave it to you, well, he forgot the password. This happens all the time.

Let us know how it turns out.

I can assure you this laptop is not stolen, at least not that I know of

one of my friends dug it up in his closet and could never get the PW lock out so he said if I can fix it it's mine...so here I am

I will give IBM a call, but wouldn't they charge a high amount for something like that? Chances are what they charge will not even be worth it (new ones are on eBay for about $200 and have working hard disks and UltraBases, this laptop has neither). But I will give them a call anyway...

**NooNoo** · July 2nd, 2004, 03:41 AM

oh and wb jungleman!

**emr** · July 2nd, 2004, 04:38 AM

Originally Posted by NooNoo

oh and wb jungleman!

That's what I was thinking too NooNoo. Long time no see JM, where have you been hiding?!

emr

**JungleMan1** · July 2nd, 2004, 06:37 AM

Hehe thanks guys

I've been hiding over at PC Perspective mostly, and working hard on my hardware review site (listed in sig).

Good to see a few familiar faces, I will drop in from time to time. I know I can always find a big bunch of experts here

**JungleMan1** · July 2nd, 2004, 08:49 AM

Hmm, would buying a new system board work? I see a few on eBay going for $15, obviously they are specifically for this laptop...I am guessing the EEPROM which contains the supervisor password is stored on the old board, so a new board would work, no?

I'd probably need a new HDD as well...I tested the old one last night by putting it in my Vantec NexStar, and all it does is click

but $40 to fix up a laptop is not a big deal

I'll try calling IBM first though, as swapping the mobo out of a laptop is a bit troublesome