Bought used laptop with Bios AND Admin passwords!?!

fignozzle · 07-26-2008, 09:40 PM

Hey all,

I bought a used Toughbook CF-45 from the original owner (with paperwork, lest anyone go "sure! uh-huh...").

She retired it from use as an insurance agent 4 years ago, and can't remember either password.

I realize this is an old, slow laptop, and paid accordingly.

I can't find the CMOS battery, although I've taken off everything I can get to without major surgery. Not apparent under keyboard, or in any of the bottom compartments once battery & HDD are removed.

Anyone have a suggestion besides send it to PANASONIC for over $100+ shipping? (Please, no "expensive boat anchor" or doorstop comments).

Thanks in advance!
Nerd

tougbookcentral · 08-16-2008, 06:49 PM

Well, you have no choice but to disassemble it in order to get access to motherboard. CMOS batteries are not readily accessible due to security reasons. When found, disconnect CMOS battery from the motherboard for a moment. Make sure that AC adapter AND main battery are not connected.

**Deleted090308** · 08-17-2008, 01:40 AM

Please read the forum rules.

Quote:

Users may not post hacks, cracks, or give instruction how to pirate any type of software, or anything similar, in any forum of TSF. We do not condone, support or give instruction on any illegal activity pertaining to computer systems, computer hardware, computer software programs or computer related activities. Included in this group of activities are requests for help to circumvent system admin passwords or Administrator settings on networks. We do understand that the majority of requests may be legitimate, but we do not have the means to discern these from non-legitimate requests.

07-26-2008, 09:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
fignozzle Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4 OS: Winxp sp2	Bought used laptop with Bios AND Admin passwords!?! Hey all, I bought a used Toughbook CF-45 from the original owner (with paperwork, lest anyone go "sure! uh-huh..."). She retired it from use as an insurance agent 4 years ago, and can't remember either password. I realize this is an old, slow laptop, and paid accordingly. I can't find the CMOS battery, although I've taken off everything I can get to without major surgery. Not apparent under keyboard, or in any of the bottom compartments once battery & HDD are removed. Anyone have a suggestion besides send it to PANASONIC for over $100+ shipping? (Please, no "expensive boat anchor" or doorstop comments). Thanks in advance! Nerd

08-16-2008, 06:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
tougbookcentral Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 4 OS: XP Pro	Re: Bought used laptop with Bios AND Admin passwords!?! Well, you have no choice but to disassemble it in order to get access to motherboard. CMOS batteries are not readily accessible due to security reasons. When found, disconnect CMOS battery from the motherboard for a moment. Make sure that AC adapter AND main battery are not connected. Last edited by tougbookcentral; 08-16-2008 at 06:50 PM.