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16698
December 26th, 2017 09:00
Optiplex 390 BIOS Password Reset
Recently purchased a Used Dell Optiplex 390. I know, probably a risky move but I'm struggling with money at the moment.
Anyway, I'm trying to update the BIOS on it, only to find that the BIOS has a password on it. I'm unable to get the BIOS password. I read about the password reset jumpers, and there are two jumpers I can find on the board. I think one of them is labeled CMOS something but I can't be sure. When I switch this one to pins 2 and 3, the computer gives me a message that says "Alert, Service Mode Jumper is Set". The BIOS password remains.
When I switch the other jumper (I cannot find a label for it) the computer will not turn on at all.
I feel like I'm clearly missing something simple, but what is it?
Thank you!
ejn63
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87.5K Posts
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December 26th, 2017 10:00
One of those jumpers should be labeled PSWD. It should be near the SATA connectors.
Move the jumper to 2-3, power up for 30 sec and then power off. Reset the jumper and the password will be cleared.
harmonherring
3 Posts
1
December 26th, 2017 11:00
Found it - was the third jumper located far away from SATA connectors, underneath the bottom PCI x1 slot. Was blocked by a card I had there, I'm just an idiot.
harmonherring
3 Posts
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December 26th, 2017 11:00
Thank you for your help. After some additional searching, I found it on the jumper located furthest away from the SATA connectors. It was hidden by a PCIe card that I have in there. Thank you for your help and I'm sorry for wasting your time