How can I reset the BIOS password on a IBM Thinkpad 390X?

well apparently, my cousin bought an old laptop. Now, the problem is that there's a BOIS password to get into the computer. Unfortunately, he forgot the password and now his asking me if there's a crack or something he could do to reset the password. I've tried pulling out the batteries but, that also don't work. it's an IBM THINKPAD 390X....any help whould be appreciated...TIA

This question was answered on December 6, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Do you know what type of BIOS it has? (Award, Phonix, AMD, etc?) Try this:

A Power off the computer

B Remove the battery pack and AC Adapter

C Remove the backup battery (RTC) for 20 minutes or use a screwdriver to touch the backup battery (RTC) for 1 second

D Put back the backup battery (RTC)

E Power on the computer and wait until POST ends

F Verify that the password prompt does not appear

Second Option:

1) On a Thinkpad this old, removing a CMOS battery for 5-10 minutes should do it These units are from back in 1999 before IBM got on their laptop security kick

2) If the BIOS firmware on that unit was never updated, the IBM backdoor keys may still work Here are 2 that I know of

a.) Press both mouse buttons repeatedly during the boot

b.) Hold down shift enter when prompted for the password

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Posted by Henry of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on December 6, 2004

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