Reset the BIOS Password on a HP Compaq dc7800

The basic input/output system manages the operation of hardware in the HP Compaq dc7800. The PC allows users to make changes to the BIOS to alter how the computer and its devices behave. You can set up an administrative password in the BIOS to prevent employees from making changes to the dc7800 without permission. If you forgot the password to the BIOS and can no longer access the software, however, or if you failed to lock the program with a hard-to-guess password and a worker managed to access setup, you can reset the password either via the BIOS itself or by temporarily removing the battery.

From the BIOS

Step 1

Power on or reboot the HP Compaq dc7800. Press "F10" during the boot process before the operating system logo appears on-screen.

Step 2

Enter the administrative password. Press "F9" to reset the password and restore the BIOS to its default configuration.

Related Reading: How to Clear a Compaq Presario CMOS Password

Step 3

Press "F10" to save your changes and exit the BIOS.

Via the Hardware

Step 1

Turn off the dc7800. Unplug the power connector and all devices attached to the HP Compaq. Set the computer on its side.

Step 2

Loosen the thumbscrew found on the back of the computer, grip the indent on the cover and then slide the panel towards the front of the case.

Step 3

Lift the cover off the dc7800. Put a hand on the case to ground yourself and then find the coin-cell battery.

Step 4

Push down on or pull back the lever securing the battery to its holder, if applicable, and then lift the component out of its container.

Step 5

Wait 10 minutes before reinstalling the battery to reset the BIOS configuration.

Step 6

Return the battery to its holder with the positive side -- the side with the "+" symbol on it -- facing up.

Step 7

Push the lever back down, if applicable. Reassemble the computer case.

Tips

• You'll need to reconfigure your BIOS settings after resetting the password.
• Restart the computer if the PC boots to Windows before going to the BIOS.
• You can use the same methods as above to reset the BIOS password that prevents users from booting the machine altogether.