Clearing Forgotten Passwords

1. Follow the procedures in Working on Your Computer.
2. Remove the computer cover.
3. Locate the 2-pin password jumper (PSWD) on the system board, and remove the jumper to clear the password. See Password Protection.
4. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
5. Connect your computer and monitor to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
6. After the Microsoft®Windows®desktop appears on your computer, shut down your computer.
7. Turn off the monitor and disconnect it from the electrical outlet.
8. Disconnect the computer power cable from the electrical outlet, and press the power button to ground the system board.
9. Open the computer cover.
10. Locate the 2-pin password jumper on the system board and attach the jumper to reenable the password feature.
11. Replace the computer cover (see Replacing the Computer Cover).
12. Connect your computer and devices to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
Jumper
Setting
Description
PSWD
Password features are enabled (default setting).
Password features are disabled.
RTCRST
The real-time clock has not been reset.
The real-time clock is being reset (jumpered temporarily).
jumpered unjumpered
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: This process erases both the system and administrator passwords.