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Question

Locked out of system

Jul 23, 2017 11:08PM PDT

I turn on my Dell Optiplex it goes to a black screen that says enter system password. When I try to type it in, nothing happens like the keyboard has been disconnected .. it makes the sounds but nothing types in. I can get out of the screen no matter what I do.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: system password
Jul 24, 2017 12:25AM PDT

That's not the usual Windows password you use to login into Windows. That's the BIOS password and that could very well be different.

Now look in the user manual or ask Dell tech support how to reset it in your model. If it used to work normally, and now suddenly pops up while you did nothing that could have caused it, it could be a hardware issue you can't solve yourself.

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Locked out of system
Jul 24, 2017 2:36AM PDT

Let me explain how this came about. I went into the system, and made my administrator password the same as my system password. Then saved and exited.
I "know" my password .. it just won't type it in for some reason. I get the black screen that says enter password, I try but nothing types in. Now from trying to make it types so many times, it says system failure, must power down .. but it doesn't .. it's stuck right there !
Help !!!!

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Re: locked out
Jul 24, 2017 2:50AM PDT

There's a small chance that typing the password in the BIOS doesn't recognise a USB-keyboard. In that case, a PS/2 keyboard might work.

If no luck, it's time to contact Dell about resetting it if that procedure isn't in the user manual. Power down, by the way, can be done by by pressing the power button or power switch on the PSU or disconnect from the mains.

Indeed, a BIOS password is the only way to ensure that nobody can use your PC, even if he knows the Windows password or has a Linux disk or stick. So if that's what you want you'll to have it reset and know how to use it next time.

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Answer
Password
Jul 24, 2017 6:40AM PDT

Type in your password and hit enter.

Don't worry that it does not display.

What happens?

If no luck remove the cmos battery for 15 mins and then put it back.

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Answer
Kees is right about this.
Jul 24, 2017 9:05AM PDT

I've run into many Dells that the BIOS password only works with PS/2 Keyboard.

As to reset, the battery removal didn't work but the Dell Docs on the unit noted a password reset jumper so that's what I used.

Post was last edited on July 25, 2017 1:00 PM PDT