Power-On Password - IBM Aptiva 2174 Hardware Maintenance Service

Power-On Password

A power-on password denies access to the system by an unauthorized user
when the system is powered on. When a power-on password is active, the
password prompt appears on the screen each time the system is powered on.
The system starts after the proper password is entered. See "Power-on
Password on page 20" for more information about how to change, remove and
set password in BIOS Setup.
In some cases, you might be required to service a system with an active and
unknown power-on password. To clear a password from the system, follow
these steps.
1. Turn off system unit.
2. Unplug power cable from the electrical outlet.
WARNING: Do not attempt these steps with the power cord plugged into the
electrical outlet. The power supply maintains +5 Vdc of standby power
when the power cord is plugged. System damage might result if the
power cord is not unplugged during testing.
3. Set J18 to 2-3 position to bypass password check process. See "Machine
Type 2174 System Board Jumpers and Connectors on page 107" .
4. Plug power cable, turn on the system, and press F1 during POST to enter
BIOS Setup menu.
5. Press F5 to load default setting, and the power-on paswword will be clear.
Enter "Security Options", and press Left- or Right-arrow key to enter "Power
On Password" and it will automatically set to "None".
6. Save and exit from BIOS Setup.
7. Turn off the system, unplug power cable from electrical outlet.
IMPORTANT: Set J18 to 2 position to enable password check process. See
"Machine Type 2174 System Board Jumpers and Connectors on page
107" .
IMPORTANT: To reinstall the password, the user must enter a password in the
Setup Utility.
General Information 9