Update a Locked BIOS
A computer's Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) is software embedded on the motherboard that controls the hardware attached to the computer and saves specific user configuration information. BIOS components can be updated through a firmware upgrade known as "flashing." The BIOS should only be updated if you have new hardware that is incompatible with your current BIOS.
If the BIOS is locked, you can gain access by resetting the password.
Instructions
Update BIOS
1. Download the BIOS updater from the computer manufacturer's site. Not all BIOS updates are performed in the same manner, so it is very important to use the manufacturer's guidelines.
2. Run the downloaded BIOS Update installer or application. If the software prompts you for a floppy, use a formatted 1.44MB 3.5" floppy disk. When using a floppy, insert it into the drive and restart the system to boot from it.
Some update files contain an "autoexec.bat" file to automatically run the BIOS update. Others will just have the update software, the updated BIOS image, and possibly a text file containing directions. If the update does not start automatically and there are no directions, enter a command using the names of the two available files. For example, if there are two files named "A06_123.bin" and "awflash.exe," enter the command "awflash A06_123.bin." This will execute the update software and specify the A06_123.bin file to flash the BIOS.
3. Restart the computer to complete the update. Some BIOS updates will request your permission to power down while others will prompt you to power cycle the system yourself. If that is required, power down the PC by either pressing the power button or initiating the power off sequence from the operating system and flip the master power switch on the back of your PC to the off position. Wait a minute, then flip the master power switch back on and power up the PC.
4. Modify the BIOS settings to meet the criteria for your new hardware.
Unlock BIOS
5. Reset the password if your BIOS is locked and you do not know the password. Sometimes you can use a "backdoor password" -- one the manufacturer has set that will unlock the BIOS no matter what the user has set for the password. Here are some examples of backdoor manufacturer passwords -- but they will probably not be up to date, as manufacturers regularly change this information.
AMI Backdoor BIOS Passwords: A.M.I., AAAMMMIII, AMI?SW, AMI_SW, BIOS, CONDO, HEWITT RAND, LKWPETER, MI, PASSWORD
Award Backdoor BIOS Passwords: eight spaces, ALFAROME, ALLY, ALLy, aLLY, aLLy, aPAf, award, AWARD PW, AWARD SW, AWARD?SW, AWARD_PW, AWARD_SW, AWKWARD, awkward, BIOSTAR, CONCAT, CONDO, Condo, condo, d8on, djonet, HLT, J256, J262, j262, j322, j332, J64, KDD, LKWPETER, Lkwpeter, PINT, pint, SER, SKY_FOX, SYXZ, syxz, TTPTHA, ZAAAADA, ZAAADA, ZBAAACA, and ZJAAADC
Phoenix Backdoor BIOS Passwords: BIOS, CMOS, phoenix, PHOENIX
6. Reset the password using software. The software program will read the BIOS password from the CMOS memory. See links in Resources for software.
7. Reset the password by removing hardware. The CMOS memory is maintained by a small battery, which is attached to the motherboard. To delete the CMOS information, remove this battery for 30 seconds. This will delete the CMOS information and the BIOS password. After deleting the password, you will be able to access the BIOS settings.
Tags: Backdoor BIOS, Backdoor BIOS Passwords, BIOS Passwords, Reset password, BIOS locked