[Id10t error]

I was over @ a friends house and she has a (older) IBM thinkpad II with Windows 95. She put in a password but didn't write it down and can't remember the password. She's now locked out of her computer. Is there a way to bypass the lock out on start-up. I tried F8 to Safe mode but that didn't work?
When we boot up we get this reading just before the Padlock symbol.

097728 kb ok
161
192
163

Any Ideas?

What are her options? If any.

BTW there is nothing of real value on this laptop....that can't be reloaded. So if we had to wipe it clean, that is an option.

thanks

Id10t error

[blibbedy blob]

remove hard drive, attach as a second drive to different pc/laptop

boot up, once loaded up, go to my computer, right click the drive you added and select format, this should format it.

replace the drive in the laptop and then reload software you want.

if you want further and more detailed instructions feel free to ask.

russ

[blibbedy blob]

o yeah, there may be other ways to do it but thats the only way i know, wait till someone posts a reply (they may have more ideas)

russ

[DJDK]

on loading try pressing delete or f5 for safe mode. i believe it ecam f8 from 98 onwards.

[Id10t error]

DJDK

F5 doesn't seem to work, or delete. Should I be pressing the key (delete or F5) rapidly or just hold it down? I tried both to no avail.

Blibbedy Bob

I was able to remove the HD but it appear that the pin configuration doesn't match 21 /22 pins with a space and then 4 (for Slave /master) option
and the female end on my IEE cable is wider (won't fit) thickness-wise and has a different set of pin holes. Do I need a special "laptop" set of cables?

FYI
Here is info on HD from Laptop.
Travelstar

Model: DADA-25120 E182115 HG
Rated: 5V 500mA DC
18apr99
made in Hungry HG
P/N 03l5610 5120MB
FRU 83h7102 MLC f22083
(10592CYL. 15heads. 64sec/t)

Genuine IBM ThinPad Option
N79

Hope this info helps.

P.S. Would another option be to just purchase another HD for this Laptop online?
I personally don't think she (my friend) should bother putting anymore money into this (old of a) laptop. IMHO.
I"m just trying to help her reverse an error made and get her laptop unlocked.
And then bump her OS to Win2000 hopefully.... One step @ a time.

Thanks again for any advice...

BTW This is a Great Forum.

Id10t error

[DJDK]

you would have to make sure it is the right hd. as you found out there are differences between pc and laptop components.

if my sis hadnt packed away our win 95 machine i would have a look on how to get into safe mode. has your friend got the manual for the laptop?

[Id10t error]

Yes she does have the manual. It is the F8 command for Safe mode. But I still get the Lock symbol when booting up.
I found a 20Gig HD IBM for a laptop on-line for $52.00 plus tax & shipping (closer to $60.00.) all told U.S. $
Linky;
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...7435-R&cat=HDD
would this work?

[DJDK]

as its loading up. is it a bios password?

[blibbedy blob]

you may be able to get the hd to fit in a laptop external usb box....i dont know if you can

[jephree]

As DJDK pointed out: if this is a BIOS password then you can clear the CMOS to clear it.
If it is the Windows password then ...

As to accessing the drive from a desktop: look at this:

http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-1035_11-5160538.html#