Can't boot and forgot bios password on ibm r50e

The BIOS and hard disk password is stored on an EEPROM chip.
For details on how to remove the BIOS and HD Password, please click on this link and follow the instructions.

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4335050-remove_bios_power_password_thinkpad

To reset the BIOS read the information from this link.

I would recommend using Kill CMOS software from Hiren's Boot CD.

your mocs cell waltage goes down.
CMOS cell gives power to bios flash memory when it goes to low bios forgot settings after power off.
So purchase new CMOS cell it is on motherbord change it then save settings then it not forgot settings even after power off.

Thanks for using fixya.

Removing battery or resetting BIOS with jumper will not help. You should call IBM for support on this issue. All thinkpads have a three year warranty, with either return to base or on-site service. Since the R50e is a recent model, you should have no problem getting it serviced directly by IBM. Toll Free: 1-800-IBM-SERV (1-800-426-7378)

Hi there.
Make sure the disk in the drive, go back into the BIOS menu, in boot options select CD/DVD drive as first boot device, press F10, save the changes and exit the BIOS.
The computer will restart and should boot from the CD.

Good luck and thanks for choosing FixYa!!

Yikes. You've set a password on the BIOS and don't remember it?

Well, most manufacturers set a "backdoor" password on the bios that will allow you to get in. It used to be the backdoor PW for IBM was "merlin" but that may no longer be the case. If you absolutely cannot get in, then your option is to open the case to the laptop and disconnect the CMOS battery for about 15 seconds and then reconnect it. That will clear the CMOS to the factory defaults.

I wish you well with this.
Thanks for using FixYa!!

As the computer boots press the DEL key to access BIOS
note: some systems you must press F2 or Esc
In BIOS under the BOOT tab options change the Boot order so that the CD drive is First
Select EXIT and Save Changes to reboot
note: make sure the CD is in the drive BEFORE you reboot!
(it sounds obvious but a lot of people forget)
If the CD is bootable it will start its own boot sequence.

Hi,
The Access IBM button is F11. This lets you boot the recovery partition. It is possible the previous owner removed the recovery partition to regain the hard disk space it uses.

If the recovery partition is gone, you can order the recovery disks from IBM/Lenovo.

Also, make sure you have the BIOS boot sequence in the correct order.. the primary boot device should be the cd-rom for installing the Vista disk. It is usually F8 on startup to load the BIOS.
Make sure the Vista disk is in the drive when you startup the install.

Here's a link to all the Thinkpad R50e drivers you'll need to get it fully working in Vista:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-55042.html

If you have just formatted, have you let the Vista disk finish the installation? Just a thought..

Good Luck!

Chris (ziraffa)

you need to type in the bios password and then hard drive password.....if they are both the same you need type it only once

you need to type in your bios password then hard drive password...machine will boot up after entered correctly