Power-On Passwords?

Mike Ralston

So I've been working with servers and such, and I need a desktop set up as remote access. I previously had issues with Windows liscence keys, but that was sorted out. The next time I went to turn the machine on to put in the correct key, and install Windows, it suddenly had a BIOS level 4 digit power-on password. This has happened to 3 of the servers I've worked on, a password randomly popping up when there never was one before. I figured that draining the power and removing the C-MOS battery would fix that, but even after an hour of it sitting powered off with the battery removed, the password is still there. Help, anyone?

Bill Kindle

That's really odd. What kind / brand of server? Are they equipped with iLO (HP) or iDRAC (Dell)?

Does anyone else have physical access to the servers somehow?

Mike Ralston

@Bill-Kindle Lots of different kinds. The ones I've had this issue with: HP DL-145 G2, HP DL-185 G3, and a HP DC 5750 Desktop. And I have full physical access, and the C-MOS reset worked for everything but the 5750. That's the one I'm working with.

Reid Cooper

So servers AND desktops. That is very odd.

scottalanmiller

@Mike-Ralston said:

And I have full physical access, and the C-MOS reset worked for everything but the 5750. That's the one I'm working with.

So the servers are still good at least? That's something. Those are a lot more important than the HP Compaq 5750 dual core AMD desktop unit. But it would be awfully nice if that just worked too.

scottalanmiller

Here are the directions on the HP site for resetting the BIOS password. You need to use a jumper on the motherboard...

http://h30499.www3.hp.com/t5/Business-PCs-Compaq-Elite-Pro/HP-dc5750-Microtower-PC-BIOS-password/td-p/1014429#.U9HRB_ldVWk

Mike Ralston

Thanks! I'll try this ASAP

Mike Ralston

@Reid-Cooper said:

So servers AND desktops. That is very odd.

The trend is that they're all HP's...

scottalanmiller

@Mike-Ralston but ones we've had for a very long time and never seen this before and the other HPs are not having this issue.

Dashrender

definitely sounds more like virus/hack issue.

Did the prompt as Password or something like system code?
I think if I remember right, when you replaced motherboards in dells with new ones from dell. You'd have to enter a 4 digit system code which identified the configuration of the system. Just wondering if they could have somehow had an issue that made them reset if HP does that to.

If it's actual Passwords I'd say you either got someone messing with them or a you somehow got a bios virus..

Mike Ralston

I had no luck with the Jumpers On-Board. I'll try again tomorrow.

scottalanmiller

Okay, let's definitely try to knock this out tomorrow. I'll be working most of the day.

Mike Ralston

Got the HP DC7700 running Windows 8 Pro and working excellently. If we won't be using the DC5750 for the time being, is it acceptable for me to use the memory modules from that to beef the DC7700?

scottalanmiller

@Mike-Ralston sure. Is it the same memory? That would be somewhat surprising.

scottalanmiller

Don't forget that we need LMI and Pertino on there.

Mike Ralston

@scottalanmiller said:

@Mike-Ralston sure. Is it the same memory? That would be somewhat surprising.

I believe so, and I'll get all of the Windows updates for it and LMI installed tonight.

scottalanmiller

Awesome let's get this going tomorrow for sure!

Mike Ralston

Yep. Had some issues with the Update freezing for about 20 mins at 0%. Swapped RAM modules, and trying again.