How to reset the BIOS
How to reset the BIOS – A computer configures its hardware when it is turned on before loading the operating system. The BIOS, or basic input system, of the computer is used to configure the hardware. If you a Dell user you can read How to Clear the Default Password in the BIOS of a Dell Laptop.
On the motherboard, they are kept on a unique complementary metal oxide, or CMOS, memory chip. The CMOS chip has a built-in battery that enables it to retain data even when the computer is turned off.
If you have hardware problems and need to clear the BIOS data, there are three different ways to do it.
Option in BIOS Setup
- Restart the computer.
- Restart the device and press the “F2” or “Delete” key to access the BIOS settings.
- Although the specific password varies depending on the computer manufacturer, it must be visible on the splash screen.
- Find the “Configuration Defaults” softkey.
- By pressing the key, you can restore the BIOS settings to their default values.
- Restart your computer by pressing the “Save” function key, which is typically “F10”.
- Restart the BIOS settings and make sure the values have been reset.
Bridge CMOS
- Unplug the power cord from the computer and turn it off.
- Open PC in a well-lit area and set the cover aside.
- Read the motherboard or user manual that came with your computer.
- On the motherboard, look for the instructions for using a jumper to clear the CMOS.
- Follow the user’s manual or manual’s diagram to locate the bridge.
- locate a bridge with the names “CLR CMOS” or “CCMOS”
- Typically found close to the motherboard’s silver battery. As directed in the documentation, skip the pins.
- Place the bridge on pins 1 and 2 if, for instance, the bridge has three pins with the numbers 1, 2, and 3.
- Replace it on pins 1 and 2 after waiting 30 seconds on pins 2 and 3.
- Turn on the computer, Enter the BIOS settings to make sure the values have been reset.
- Replace the cover after turning the computer off, unplugging it, and connecting it to ground.
- Reconnect the power, start the computer, and adjust the BIOS settings.
Remove the CMOS battery
- Unplug the power cord from the computer and turn it off.
- Place the open PC in a well-lit area and set the cover aside.
- Find the round, silver battery on the motherboard that powers the CMOS chip.
- The battery should be taken out of the holder and put in a secure location.
- Overnight, let the computer sit idle.
- Put the computer’s battery back in its cradle, plug it in, and power it on.
- To verify that the configuration has been deleted, open the BIOS utility.
- Unplug the computer after turning it off.
- Ground the computer, put the cover back on, plug it in, turn it on, and set the BIOS options.
Caution
Resetting the BIOS data does not always guarantee erase a power-on password stored in the BIOS settings. Many computers store the password on a separate memory chip on the motherboard that cannot be reset via CMOS bridges.