Need to clear cmos for Dell Optiplex GX110

[Ronin]

I need to know how to wipe out the cmos password on a Dell Optiplex GX110?
I've tried powering down the pc, yank the lithium battery, wait 30 minutes, then reinsert battery and power up pc. This makes no difference.

I've tried downloading a CMOS kill program, but that lead to a trojan warning provided by Norton A/V.

So, any ideas? Thanks.

[shamus]

I need to know how to wipe out the cmos password on a Dell Optiplex GX110?
I've tried powering down the pc, yank the lithium battery, wait 30 minutes, then reinsert battery and power up pc. This makes no difference.

I've tried downloading a CMOS kill program, but that lead to a trojan warning provided by Norton A/V.

So, any ideas? Thanks.

From Dell Support-

All Dell systems now ship with a flashable BIOS. This means that you can upgrade the system BIOS without removing the chip from the motherboard. All you have to do is download the flash program from support.dell.com. Dell systems use a NVRAM chip to hold the BIOS and System Setup information.

[Ya_know]

I think you still need the password in order to flash the ROM, right?

[Ronin]

I think you still need the password in order to flash the ROM, right?

Looks like I'll find out one way or another.

[mhubbard]

Looks like I'll find out one way or another.

I have never been asked for a password when flashing Dell BIOS as far as I can remember.

[Ronin]

I have never been asked for a password when flashing Dell BIOS as far as I can remember.

Guess what I was just asked to provide while flashing the bios?

[DocPC]

Killcmos always brings a virus alert.......it has virus-like activity.

I use it all the time, works fine.

[nunob]

To clear CMOS RAM, turn off the machine, and place jumper W2 on pins 2-3. Wait five seconds, then replace it on pins 1-2. DO NOT TURN ON THE MACHINE WHILE W2 IS SET ON 2-3 BECAUSE THIS CAN DAMAGE THE SYSTEM BOARD. If that doesn't work then pull the cmos battery insert it upside down and wait a few and reverse or at least thats what a dell tech told me once.

[Ya_know]

I have never been asked for a password when flashing Dell BIOS as far as I can remember.

Probably because it was a blank password...

[Ronin]

Probably because it was a blank password...

O.k., KillCMOS won't work in DOS mode.

If you remove the riser card, then you can see this odd looking jumper that has the words PSSWRD & SAFE. Could this be the jumper that'll clear the CMOS password? Right now, I have the battery and power cord removed. I'll reconnect when I return from work to see what happens.

[mhubbard]

Probably because it was a blank password...

Sorry, but all my pc's here have a CMOS password, and like I said, anytime I flash, never asks. I just verified this on a GX240.

[nunob]

I bet thats it does it have a small w22 next to it? I have seen that upside down battery trick work on an Optiplex GX1 and on two Dell demension series systems. I would give it a shot if the jumper doesn't work.

[eboyjones]

I need to know how to wipe out the cmos password on a Dell Optiplex GX110?
I've tried powering down the pc, yank the lithium battery, wait 30 minutes, then reinsert battery and power up pc. This makes no difference.

I've tried downloading a CMOS kill program, but that lead to a trojan warning provided by Norton A/V.

So, any ideas? Thanks.

copied this from Dell site.Here is a link to where the password jumper is see figure #21 and below is how to do it.

http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems.../sm/remsff.htm

Disabling a Forgotten Password and Setting a New Password
NOTICE: This process erases both the system and setup passwords.
CAUTION: Before you remove the computer cover, see "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."

Remove the computer cover.


CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Remove the jumper plug labeled "PSWD" from the jumper.


See "Jumper Settings" to locate the password jumper.

Replace the computer cover.


Reconnect your computer and devices to electrical outlets and turn them on.


This disables the existing password(s).

Enter system setup and verify that Setup Password is set to Disabled.


Exit system setup.


CAUTION: Before you remove the computer cover, see "CAUTION: Safety Instructions."

Remove the computer cover.


CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

Replace the PSWD jumper plug.


Replace the computer cover and reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets and turn them on.


This reenables the password feature. When you enter system setup, both password options appear as Not Enabled—the password feature is enabled but no password is assigned.

Assign a new system and/or setup password.

[Garak]

I've tried downloading a CMOS kill program, but that lead to a trojan warning provided by Norton A/V.

It's not actually a true Trojan, I beleive your refering to "KILLCMOS"? I use it regularly when I cant be bothered to open the machine up. As for clearing it the hard way, you should have too solder dots on the motherboard marked something like "CLRCMOS" or simular, short these with a straightened paperclip or the like when the PC is powered down and unplugged.

Good Luck