IBM Thinkpad BIOS password locked

[sys-eng]

I now own an IBM Thinkpad R61 with a password locked BIOS. I wasn't paying good attention and missed the part of the description that said it is locked up.

An ebay seller named passworddoctor sells replacement password chips for about $30; however, the work of replacing this chip is much. Anyone with better ideas than replacing this chip?

[Cornerstone Technologies]

Originally Posted by sys-eng

Anyone with better ideas than replacing this chip?

Relist it on ebay or Craigslist and get as much of your money back as possible. Not worth the time or effort, nor another dollar.

[sys-eng]

I am certainly no fan of removing and resoldering chips on laptop motherboards. Fortunately, I have less than $90 in it. I was hoping ot make some $$ off of reselling it.

[YeOldeStonecat]

2 options....
*You can pickup a password reset tool for cheap and do some fiddling. It's a little serial port adapter and some hacks that you use from another computer

*That particular model you have may have a particular valuable screen upgrade/option on it called a "Flex Screen"...if so, you can sell that for parts for more than you paid for that laptop. Models with flex screens from back in those days are a particularly hot item for used parts, sought after by Thinkpad enthusiasts.

[markcuk11]

search for dogbert's blog in google would post link but cant not enough post really annoying when forums have restrictions.

[ArtemusComputerTechnology]

A BIOS password lock on a laptop you bought online. Big problem and alot of headaches. I dont think you can resell it in the same condition it is in now. If you can, there may be a backdoor password set in the BIOS. Google the term and see what you can find.

[RobertH]

Check the service manual for password reset points on the motherboard.

These are usuakly listed in the factory service manuals.

They may require that you disassembke the system to get to them.

[Benchtech]

Might be worth a peek;

http://dogber1.blogspot.com/2009/05/...ered-bios.html

[sys-eng]

Originally Posted by Benchtech

Might be worth a peek;

http://dogber1.blogspot.com/2009/05/...ered-bios.html

You will notice that IBM and Lenovo are missing from his list. They are "special".

[sys-eng]

Originally Posted by YeOldeStonecat

2 options....
*You can pickup a password reset tool for cheap and do some fiddling. It's a little serial port adapter and some hacks that you use from another computer

*That particular model you have may have a particular valuable screen upgrade/option on it called a "Flex Screen"...if so, you can sell that for parts for more than you paid for that laptop. Models with flex screens from back in those days are a particularly hot item for used parts, sought after by Thinkpad enthusiasts.

Are you sure about a serial port adapter to reset an IBM Thinkpad BIOS password chip? I have not found anything on that.

I will check out the screen when it arrives.