[Solved] PC will not start Windows 7 and asking for PW

I have a Dell Optiplex 780 and upon starting it this evening, it's only makes a sort of High Idle running sound something like when the CD drive is gearing up a large CD file, but it continues! it then shows a black screen message at the top saying "Type the system password and press enter" I have no idea what that password would be, as this is a used PC and I have never set a system password ever before on any machine!

 

Hi John.

I suspect that the message is a scam that I've seen many times before.

Have you replied to any emails, phone calls, or messages that claim to be from Microsoft? Do you have an option for "Forgot password", and if so, what message do you get when you click on it?

Well that, or it's a BIOS password.

 

No Seth, I have received nothing like that! ..This appears directly after the DEll Optliplex Logo shows on screen, It's doesn't even load windows, I really don't think its any kind of scam! it must be this Bios PW, but where would I get that password from? ...I know nothing about Forgot PW Options.

 

I have already done that, and it just moves down a line space, and then wants the password typed there!

 

I have been searching Google articles about this Bio's password problem and one of them states that removing and then reinstalling the CMOS battery will disable the Bios password block. ..Do you folks have any opinion on that procedure? https://www.wikihow.com/Reset-a-BIOS-Password

 

Thanks I have already removed the battery carefully, I have no Idea about the Password, I bought this computer used a few months ago!

 

Has the computer ever worked, when you say you bought it a few months ago?

 

Yes the computer was purchased as a working refurbished machine running Windows 7 pro. I removed and replaced the battery earlier today and it's still looking for a password! So I called the store I bought it from, and they told me they affix no passwords either and to bring it by, as it has a 6 month warranty.

 

I'm just curious, would it be possible to upload another operating system via the CD drive, while the PC is having this issue or does this lockout everything?

 

Since it is coming up just after the Dell splash screen no. When the splash screen shows does it also show the press this key to access the Set Up (BIOS)?

Have you attempted to access the BIOS and does it request the password?

What was the out come of this?

 

First the Dell Splash Screen then a black screen with the PW message. and yes it is requiring a password for Phoenix Bios. I made 3 attempts of removing the Battery and did not clear it! then I found a list of Phoenix Backdoor passwords and ended up locking the system down after 3 times with wrong PW. I am now examining that jumper solution but I can't identify the jumpers, so I'm posting a photo of the Motherboard maybe someone can help identify the JUMPER SWITCH. Thanks

 

I removed the Blue Jumper cover powered up, shut down, and then replaced it and powered up again as directed in instructions. Something definitely changed though, as windows now attempted to start, but then just this screen message appears, I pressed enter on both screen options but nothing more then the message occurs! ..Never any mention of Password at all! But seems to be indicating something is missing!

 

Tony After pressing F2 I get this screen with Service Tag highlighted? ...Can this be where it's supposed to be? I looked through all those left side options, and can find nothing concerning Bios?

 

I have looked at this Bio Reset procedure online for my computer, and I see now that these are the Bios! ..however I am not sure which of these categories or sub categories, need to be set back to default, for my particular Issue!

 

Yes I know what your saying, I guess I will have to now! I was hoping to fix it myself, because I found out the store I bought it from, may not too trustworthy! ...I may have learned another valuable lesson!

 

Wait wait wait.

If you've cleared the bios password, there is no need to go back into the bios. So Windows is now attempting to load?