Reset the CMOS password isn’t working!

Reset the CMOS password isn’t working!
I’ve recently been trying to reset the CMOS password on my computer but have encountered a frustrating issue. Despite following various guides and troubleshooting steps, the CMOS password reset isn’t working! I’ve tried the common approach of using the motherboard jumper and removing the CMOS battery, yet nothing seems to help. Each time I reboot the computer, it’s as though the password never reset. I’ve also considered possible hardware malfunctions or issues with the BIOS settings, but I’m still stuck. It’s becoming quite a headache as I can’t access vital parts of my system. Does anyone have any idea why this problem is persisting?
10 Answers

Once, I struggled with the same problem, and it turned out that the BIOS version needed an update. Sometimes, an outdated BIOS can cause the CMOS reset process to fail. I updated my BIOS following the manufacturer’s instructions, and that finally did the trick. Check your motherboard’s website for the latest BIOS version and instructions on how to update it safely.

I faced a similar issue some weeks ago. In my case, it was the method of pressing the CLEAR CMOS button on the motherboard. Here’s what I did:
1. Turn off and unplug the PC.
2. Press and hold the CLEAR CMOS button for about 30 seconds.
3. Power on the PC and see if the password clears.
It sounds simple, but the trick for me was holding that button long enough.

One less conventional approach that worked for me involved re-flashing the BIOS. I followed these steps:
1. Download the latest BIOS firmware for your motherboard.
2. Create a bootable USB drive with the BIOS update file.
3. Boot from the USB drive and follow the re-flashing instructions.
It’s a bit risky, but it reset everything, including the pesky password.

From my experience, the CMOS battery could be the culprit. When you remove and reinsert the battery, ensure the system is drained of all power. Here’s a detailed approach:
1. Shut down the computer and unplug all power sources.
2. Press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds to discharge residual power.
3. Remove the CMOS battery and wait for about 15 minutes.
4. Reinstall the battery, plug in the power cord, and start your PC.
That solved the issue for me.

I remember dealing with almost the same situation not too long ago. For me, the problem was with the actual connection of the CMOS jumper. A friend advised me to double-check to ensure it was firmly seated in its default pins. Also, sometimes, just moving the jumper without complete power drainage might not work. Make sure you unplug all cables before moving the jumper.

It seems like you’re dealing with a persistent problem, and I’ve been there myself. Having gone through dozens of attempts, I’ve found that ensuring the jumper is correctly positioned is crucial. Sometimes, it’s not enough to just move it and wait; you need to make sure it’s fully engaged in the reset position. After doing that, give it about 15 minutes instead of the usual 10 seconds. Once done, return it to the original position and power on the PC.

Have you tried resetting the CMOS password through the BIOS settings directly? Some systems have an option for password management within the BIOS setup utility. Here’s how you can go about it:
1. Boot into BIOS using the appropriate key during startup (often Del, F2, or Esc).
2. Look for a section labeled “Security” or similar.
3. Find and select the option to clear or reset passwords.
This can sometimes work if hardware resets fail.