starting again with PC

[RichardJones]

Hello
A friend of mine has just been given a new PC with windows 2k on it. However she has not got any passwords for it so cannot get past the log in screen. I tried to access the BIOS so that we could boot up using the windows 2k CD. However this is also password protected. The computer boots straight to the HD so does not check the CD drive or the A: drive so I cannot see a way booting up. Ideally I want to just format and start again but I cannot do this as far as I know because I do not have any passwords. There is nothing on the disk that is needed. How can I reformat without buying a new HD?
Thanks
Richard

[degsy]

Hi,
You need to clear the CMOS.
You need the specific instructions for your motherboard. It's usually a Jumpter setting.

Alternatively you could remove the CMOS battery for several minutes/hours.


This will clear the BIOS. You can then set the boot device and format/partition the drive.

[RichardJones]

Thanks for the reply Degsy. If I remove the CMOS battery and clear the ROM what will happen when I turn the computer on? Will it just go to the BIOS and allow me to change settings? Will I be able to insert the win2k disk and start from there?
Thanks for your help so far
Rich

[degsy]

Most BIOS use the standard settings, but you may have to tweak a few settings depending on your PC spec.
You also may need to set the CD-ROM as the boot device.

If the BIOS is happy with the default settings then yes, you can insert the CD and start the setup.

[RichardJones]

Hi Degsy,
Thanks for the reply. I'll let you know how I get on.
Richard