compaq nx7400 bootup password unknown

[newlifecomputer]

This concerns a Compaq nx7400.  Customer's son put a boot up password on this laptop and will not tell his mom what it is.  How can I clear this.  I've tried the obvious of removing battery and cmos batter, power supply, allowing it to sit overnight.  Would really like to help this customer out, she uses this for her college work, fine performing laptop (former corporate recycle), but some people's kids!?!.

I cannot access bios since password pops up immediately upon turning it on.  It gives you 3 attempts, then comes up with a * symbol.

Would really appreciate someone's help on this.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do.

The youngster probably also enabled the stringent security setting in the BIOS, which prevents any attempt to clear the BIOS password.

That is why removing both the CMOS and main battery for 30 minutes, restarting the notebook only with the power adapter connected, didn't work.

Other than convincing the kid it is in his best interests to divulge the password, the notebook is useless.

The motherboard would have to be replaced in order for the notebook to be usable again.

[REO51ST]

Newlife.

If removing the BIOS battery did not work then STRINGENT SECURITY is enabled.

Sorry.

REO

[newlifecomputer]

While the two responses didn't "solve" my problem with clearing the password, they did confirm what I was afraid of, no solution but to scrap the laptop.  As I'm a recycler/reuser first, I try not to get scrap something that someone may be able to reuse.  This particular model runs with Windows 7 well, so it is a shame to have to scrap it, but sometimes you have no choice.  Will just part it out for other laptops.  Thanks for everyone's help.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Sorry we could not deliver better news.

Most HP business notebooks have been designed that way for a long time, and so are most of the HP business desktops made in the last 5 years or so.

I can't believe the son would be so mean to his mother.