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Thread ID: 45472 2004-05-23 07:27:00 Old Computers - BIOS Passwords agent_24 (4330) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
238680 2004-05-23 10:33:00 Do as Steve says, there probably isnt a cmos clearing jumper on a 386.
You can get the cmos password finding program cmospwd,here (www.pcworld.com)

If that doesnt work, then there is a nice wicked program called Killcmos, which will wipe it clean. Your AV will think it is a virus though because of the type of code written into it. It isnt :)
Terry Porritt (14)
238681 2004-05-23 10:37:00 You are lucky the Dallas clock is plugged in. Many were soldered in and when the battery expires thats it ..kaput!

Those batteries are supposed to have a life of up to 10 years ....so they say.... :)

To replace may cost about $40-60.
Terry Porritt (14)
238682 2004-05-23 10:41:00 i would use the cmos wipe program, but there is a problem. you see while the password is enabled the system wont actually get past the post, so no booting from harddive, floppy or anything it seems....

also, could you or someone please explain what the dallas thing actually is and does?
agent_24 (4330)
238683 2004-05-23 10:49:00 From an article on Dallas CMOS chips:

Someone put a password in my Dallas Semiconductor DS12887 chip. Is there any way to remove it?

Unfortunately, no. Dallas Semiconductor products without an "A" at the end of the model number can only be reset using a password. Our recommendation is to password protect all systems using this type of device with the same password and keep the password under lock and key in one or more places.

Dallas Semiconductor devices that do have an "A" at the end of their model number can be completely erased even if they are password protected. This is usually accomplished with a jumper on the system board. It is also possible to use a device with an "A" at the end of the model number in systems that don't have this feature.

To eliminate tampering on those systems that do not have a RAM clear jumper, we recommend that users password protect the device and tape a copy of the password INSIDE the computer case.
godfather (25)
238684 2004-05-23 10:57:00 Looks like GF has put his finger on the problem.

A Dallas 'clock' is a cmos chip and real time clock with internal battery all rolled into one, rather than 3 separate items as is more usual.
Terry Porritt (14)
238685 2004-05-23 10:59:00 Well those dallas people are mighty clever aint they?

my chip is a DS1387 - no A attached.
agent_24 (4330)
238686 2004-05-23 11:13:00 www.maxim-ic.com

Confusing. It suggests only those with an A can be reset in this link.
godfather (25)
238687 2004-05-23 11:19:00 It seems that way doesnt it agent_24 (4330)
238688 2004-05-23 11:23:00 There are some CMOS "backdoor" passwords, depending on CMOS type. Have a look here (www.elfqrin.com). Pheonix (280)
238689 2004-05-23 11:27:00 Problems like these are one of the many reasons why i hate integrated PC components..... X-( X-( X-( agent_24 (4330)
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