Dell Dimension 8300 - Manual (Page 109)

Appendix 109
Clearing Forgotten Passwords
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions on page 9.
If you forget your user or setup password, you cannot operate your computer or change
settings in the system setup program until you clear the forgotten password(s).
NOTICE: This process erases both the system and setup passwords.
1 Shut down the computer (see page 27).
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer, and then
unplug it from the network wall jack.
2 Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
3 Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power
button to ground the system board.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from
the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
4 Open the computer cover (see page 78).
5 Locate jumper PSWD on the system board (see page 81) and remove the jumper plug.
6 Close the computer cover (see page 100), plug your computer into an electrical outlet,
and turn on the computer.
The existing password(s) will be erased.
7 Shut down the computer (see page 27).
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer, and then
unplug it from the network wall jack.
8 Turn off any attached devices and disconnect them from their electrical outlets.
9 Disconnect the computer power cable from the wall outlet, and then press the power
button to ground the system board.
10 Open the computer cover (see page 78).