Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: vic_i_eee on May 28, 2007, 08:31:13 PM

Title: Dimwit can't find dipswitch
Post by: vic_i_eee on May 28, 2007, 08:31:13 PM

Hello! Does anyone know offhand were the jumper dipswitch is on an old IBM thinkpad 390? I've done a search here and googled it. I'm about to tear this old "cinder block" apart but before I do, maybe someone here knows. I just need to clear the bios password.

Title: Re: Dimwit can't find dipswitch
Post by: soybean on May 28, 2007, 08:53:39 PM

You might try this: Contact Support (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=CNCT-SUPPRT#hp)

Title: Re: Dimwit can't find dipswitch
Post by: vic_i_eee on May 28, 2007, 10:36:15 PM

Thanks! Nice site, but my search came up nadda. I'll keep trying an advanced search.
Onward with the quest. I'll keep checking back.

:P

     

;D

Title: Re: Dimwit can't find dipswitch
Post by: street1 (RIP) on May 29, 2007, 03:51:32 AM

Did you read the manual?

LookHere (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=LWIK-43EJ4M)

Title: Re: Dimwit can't find dipswitch
Post by: vic_i_eee on May 29, 2007, 10:04:29 AM

Quote from: street1 on May 29, 2007, 03:51:32 AM

Did you read the manual?

LookHere (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=LWIK-43EJ4M)

Yes I did. I have manuals for most computers on CD. The user manual is like the one in a car, it gives step by step instructions on how to start the car but doesn't tell how to take apart the starter. I can't find a service manual for this one. However I did find the bios update I need from that website. Great site! If I disconnect the bios battery will that clear the password or is that a bad idea?

Title: Re: Dimwit can't find dipswitch
Post by: 2k_dummy on May 29, 2007, 10:21:28 AM

If it is simply a bios access pasword, that may clear it. If it is a boot up password (the computer won't do anything - even post), then you might just be SOL. Boot up passwords on (some) IBM computers were not stored in bios nor on disk, but in a seperate rom chip. Once set, the only way to access it was with the proper password. The company can fix it, but a 390 would likely not be worth the cost.

Title: Re: Dimwit can't find dipswitch
Post by: vic_i_eee on May 29, 2007, 10:36:11 AM

I'm going to go ahead and try the battery. Thanks everyone for your time. I'll let you know.