Dell Optiplex BIOS Password Recovery

The BIOS password may be cleared from a Dell Optiplex by removing the password jumper (PSWD) from the motherboard.

The location of the password jumper on a Dell Optiplex motherboard can be found by reviewing the Optiplex User Guides.

For most Dell Optiplex desktops, the steps to reset a BIOS password and clear all CMOS settings are:

• Locate the 3-pin CMOS password reset jumper on the system board.
• Remove the jumper plug from pins 1 and 2.
• Place the jumper plug on pins 2 and 3 and wait approximately 5 seconds.
• Replace the jumper plug on pins 1 and 2.