Dell laptop Password removal
If you remove the Service TAG on Dell Laptops, it erases the EEProm Chip, and the passwords stored there are erased with the TAG. Then the same Service Tag is reset on the erased chip, but the passwords are gone. Unfortunately, the software to do this is kept from most users, or even the knowledge it exists or how to use it. I have a copy on a Diskette that works with Latitudes and SOME Inspirons. Other Inspirons that are clones of Latitude Models can be temporarily ForceFlashed with the Latitude BIOS by using a /jabil switch, the Service Tag deleted and then reset with this software, and then ForceFlashed back to the Inspiron BIOS.
The BIOS Primary Passwords can be cleared without changing the EEProm chip by shorting 2 pins on the chip with a piece of stiff wire or a small paper clip, and then punching the power button repeatedly. When you do this, the laptop board is set back to Manufacturing Mode FF; you then use the diskette to reset the Service Tag and the board is back to normal, but the passwords are gone. The chip is a small 8-connection chip labeled 24C02 or a variation on that label. It is found on the motherboards in many locations; on some early models like the CP/CPiD/CPiA series, it is found under the CPU. That makes the shorting trick difficult on those, but not impossible. It will require spot soldering two small, thin insulated wires to the proper pins, then bringing them out side the CPU recess, and installing the CPU again. The 2 pins to short are 3 and 6; as you view the chip with the label upright, the pins across the top are 5-8 from right to left and the bottom 1-4 from left to right, with 3 and 6 directly across from each other.
How do I know this works? Because I have done this several times, one of which is the original posters CS model. Before someone asks me about Harddrive Passwords, I have no solution for those, except don't use them on a Dell, unless you want to replace both M'board and Harddrive if you forget them. Bon Chance!
