Topic: Need administrator password

[Richie53]

I restored my Dell Inspiron 1525 to factory settings and when it was completed I am being asked for Administrator password to reset.I called Dell and they said I could have the password for $79.99. There Crazy. Could somebody help me PLEASE!!

[davy51]

You might try this it seems to work

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090418202033AAqnB4Z

[Richie53]

Dave,,
         It does'nt help,,when I turn on my laptop I get the Dell logo page then It goes to the next page saying
         " This computer system, #16p5mg1-595b is proteced by a password authentication system. You cannot access the data on this computer without the correct password.


         Please type in the system or administrator password and press <ENTER>

[davy51]

Thats the only thing I could find right off
Im sure one of the people here will know more than I do

There is a way to delete the password by removing a chip in the motherboard but Ive only seen it done once on a XP machine

sorry I couldnt help more


The only sure way I know will work is use a live linux cd to rescue all important data then reinstall of vista

[Richie53]

Thanks for trying to help Dave,,,,,,,,

[chorleydave]

Hi Richie. 

I can't say whether this will work or not, but it might be worth a try.  Type in anything for the password.  After you have typed the wrong password several times, you might receive a message with words to the effect that you need to contact Dell for the correct password.  This message could well have some information that will help you find the password, such as a service tag number.  Make a note of that information and try Googling for the password.

Might work - might not.

[Richie53]

Thanx,,tried that,,pc shuts off after 3 tries

[Simon]

Hi Richie,  

Obviously the password is there to protect the computer from being used by an unauthorised user, hence, presumably, the charge by Dell (although, I can't see who would gain from it, other then them).  

There are various password recovery tools to be found on the web, but I've not used any of them personally, so can't recommend any one in particular.  You might want to have a look at this Google search, which may or may not help.

Otherwise, I can't add to what's already been suggested here so far.

[Rik]

I wonder if this is a BIOS password, not Windows?

[davy51]

It sounds like a bios Rik
Its coming up before windows even loads

Might work flashing the bios

[Rik]

If it's a laptop, removing the battery and holding down the power switch for 10-15 seconds often resets the BIOS. In a desktop, remove the battery and there's usually a jumper to clear the BIOS. Though not necessarily with Dell...