AboutKevin Expertise I`m familiar with Windows 95/98/XP problems and will try my best to assist you. I`m also familiar with spyware/virus removal, Web Design, Basic PC Networking, formatting & partitioning hard drives, installing new hard drives or memory (ram), and other little things.
Experience I started using computers about 10 years ago and have grown to both love and hate it to say the least. I have studied computer programming and graduated with a bachelor's degree in computer science.
Expert: Kevin Date: 6/27/2008 Subject: Dell Dimension 3100
Question I have a friend who manages an apartment complex that has a Dell Dimension 3100 running a program that opens and closes the entry gate.
The PC does not boot all the way, it only gets to a black screen where it asks for a password. She says that she cannot get to the BIOS, I'm not sure if she knows how to get into the BIOS. I told her I would go out there tomorrow morning to give her a hand so I'm trying to find out any possible solutions before I get there.
Do you have any ideas or thoughts as to what the problem is and/or what I can try to fix it?
Thank you,
Landon
Answer Hi Landon, it sounds like that's the problem right there. It could very well be the BIOS password. Try to find out if she or anyone who uses that computer set a password for the BIOS at startup. If they set it, it will prompt for the password every time the computer starts up.
Depending on the BIOS manufacturer, there may or may not be a backdoor password for it. Best way to do this (if it works) is to remove the CMOS battery. That's the flat/button battery that's on the board. Remove for a minute or so and put it back.
On some motherboards, you might also see a jumper switch on them that's labeled PWD or RST PWD...something to that extent. If you remove the jumper and startup the computer, that should clear the password as well.
