The article covers the following methods: • Using a Backdoor BIOS Password • Resetting the BIOS Password using Software • Resetting the BIOS Password using Hardware • Vendor Specific Solutions for resetting the BIOS Password Another article is. Covering similar grounds, it also contains some images.

HP Elite 7300/3300/3305 Microtower, HP Pro 3300 Small Form Facto. If the error still persists, replace the system board. Invalid Electronic Serial Number Electronic serial number is missing.

Another possibility to recover the password at $20 is with (never used them). From your page 43: Unknown user password If the computer you are servicing has an unknown user password, follow these steps to clear the password: • Shut down the computer. If you are unsure whether the computer is off or in Hibernation, turn the computer on, and then shut it down through the operating system. • Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer. • Disconnect the power from the computer by first unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet and then unplugging the AC adapter from the computer. • Remove the real-time clock (RTC) battery (see RTC battery on page 54). • Remove the battery (see Battery on page 46).

• Wait approximately 5 minutes. • Replace the RTC battery and reassemble the computer. • Connect AC power to the computer. Do not reinsert any batteries at this time.

• Turn on the computer. All passwords and all CMOS settings have been cleared. If this doesn't work, then your laptop may be of a newer model where the password is stored in an EEPROM security chip. Removing the power does not erase an EEPROM, it has to be reprogrammed. What that means is you need to know the password to change the password. If you can prove ownership the manufacturer may be able to help you out.

The BIOS may have a back door password that tech support can use to get in. If you Google it you might get lucky and find one that works. That info can be hard to find as you can imagine the manufactures don't like to see it on the internet. Case 580k Serial Number Location on this page.