Motherboard Jumpers:
Some, but not all, motherboard manufacturers provide a set of three jumpers
on their motherboards that provide you with the ability to clear the Bios/CMOS
settings, thereby allowing them to be reset. For the most part this is used when
the Bios/CMOS data becomes scrambled and you need to clear the Bios/CMOS in
order to return the computer to a functional state. This same procedure,
however, can be used to clear passwords from the Bios/CMOS setup. Typically a
jumper will be found across pins #1 and #2 as the default position, and by shutting the
computer down, unplugging the power cord and then moving the jumper so that it
is across pins #2 and #3 will clear the Bios/CMOS settings.
Here's an example of a Supermicro PIIISEA motherboard.
As
you can see from the picture, we have added two small red
arrows. The arrow to the left denotes the location of the "Clear CMOS"
jumpers, while the red arrow to the right denotes the location of the CMOS
battery.
Here are the procedures if the jumpers are
present on the motherboard:
-
Locate, if possible, the instruction booklet for your motherboard. If you
cannot locate the booklet, then user the motherboard references on this site
to locate the manufacturer and see if a manual is available there. You may
also want to closely examine the motherboard itself.
-
Shut down your computer and disconnect the power
plug.
-
Now identify where the jumpers are located, then
check the present
pin location and the location of the jumper on those pins to determine their
default location. As an example, the default location on the above
motherboard is to have the jumper across pins #1 and #2. Write it down!
-
Next, move the jumpers from the their default location (Example: from
across pins #1 and #2 as above) and then place the jumper across pins #2 and #3.
-
Leave the jumper in place for 20 to 30 seconds and then return it to its
default location.
-
Now plug the power cord back in and restart the computer.
-
When the computer begins it's startup (boot) process, tap the DEL, F10 or F1
key, (whichever is appropriate for your computer) to get into the Bios/CMOS
setup. If you need more detailed information as to how to get to the Bios/CMOS
setup, follow this link. Bios
Basics
-
Once into the Bios/CMOS setup, look for a
section or area to set the Bios/CMOS to its default settings. This will
return the motherboard to either its basic or optimum settings depending
upon the motherboard manufacturers settings. You will then need to verify
certain settings, such a CPU and memory as well as hard drive type and size
recognition. If you need more information regarding these settings, follow
either of these links: For an AMI
Bios or for an Award
Bios.
- After making any final adjustments, save your settings and restart the
computer. The Bios password should be gone and the Bios set to its optimum
settings.
If the "Clear CMOS" jumpers are not
present or not available:
The procedures for clearing a Bios/CMOS without jumpers is essentially the
same as those given above when they are present, it just takes a little more
effort.
-
Shut down the computer and disconnect the power
plug.
-
Locate, if possible, the instruction booklet for your motherboard. If you
cannot locate the booklet, then use the motherboard references on this site
to locate the manufacturer and see if a manual is available there. You may
also want to closely examine the motherboard itself.
-
Now identify where the battery is located on the
motherboard. It will be approximately 1/2 inch in diameter.
-
Normally these batteries are held into place
with one or more small clips over the face of the battery. Carefully lift
the battery out of its socket and set it aside. Note:
Some batteries are actually soldered to the motherboard, so take that into
consideration and be careful.
-
Leave the battery our of the computer for about 20 to 30
minutes and then return it to its socket.
-
Now plug the power cord back in and restart the computer.
-
When the computer begins it's startup (boot) process, tap the DEL, F10 or F1
key, (whichever is appropriate for your computer) to get into the Bios/CMOS
setup. If you need more detailed information as to how to get to the Bios/CMOS
setup, follow this link. Bios
Basics
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