Setting the BIOS password - admin password unknown - Dell T5810/T5820

Resets the passwords for the BIOS settings when the admin password is not known.

important: Disconnect the power cord from the computer and allow the internal components to cool before doing these steps.

notice Potential component damage Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause permanent damage to electronic components. Observe the following ESD precautions: Work on a static-free mat. Wear a static strap to ensure that any accumulated electrostatic charge is discharged from your body to the ground. Create a common ground for the equipment being worked on by connecting the static-free mat, static strap, and peripheral units to that piece of equipment.

1. Shut down the operating system.
2. Power off the workstation and external devices.
3. Do Removing the host computer or Removing the host computer - Dell T5820.
4. Remove the side cover.

   Figure 1. Dell T5810

   

   Figure 2. Dell T5820

   

5. Locate the password header and jumper. The password jumper is labeled PSWD.

   Figure 3. Password jumper location - T5810

   

   Figure 4. Password jumper location - T5820

   

6. Make sure the power cord is disconnected from the host computer.
7. Remove the password jumper.
   note: The password jumper is colored so it can be easily identified.
8. Reconnect all components and the power to the workstation.
9. Install the side cover.
   1. Hold and align the bottom of the side cover to the chassis.
   2. Make sure the hook on the bottom of the side cover snaps into the notch on the system.
   3. Press the system cover until it clicks into place.
      note: The system will not power on without the side cover. Also, the system will shut down if the side cover is removed while the system is on.
10. Power on the workstation until video appears on the monitor.
11. Shut down the workstation.
12. Remove the side cover.
13. Install the password jumper. This will clear the passwords.
14. Install the side cover.
15. Do Installing the host computer or Installing the host computer - Dell T5820.
16. Power on the computer. The computer will not require any passwords after this reset; both System and Admin passwords will be erased.
17. To create passwords, see Setting the BIOS password - Dell T5810/T5820.