Hey, I've got a laptop (Dell XPS15) that has a BIOS password* set on it. I've tried removing the CMOS battery for ~1day and it hasn't helped remove it. I've taken the laptop to bits and there's no CMOS reset jumper anywhere that I can see. I've called Dell and they gave me three passwords to try (none of which worked???). Anyone know any other options I have for removing the password? (I can't remember the damn thing!)
Try the Dell password generator listed here. Enter the wrong password 3 times and it should spout out a code. Put that code into the generator and it should spout out a password. It may not work if your laptop is fairly new though.
If it's still in warranty then you could accidentally fry the motherboard. That's what I had to do at work once. Accidentally of course.
It wouldn't surprise me if there was a jumper that needed shorting, I've come across this on a few laptops.
I agree that there is likely a mechanism to reset it physically. Doubt it will be a jumper as such, probably just two solder points that you need to bridge. Finding them is the hard part, may have to remove the mobo completely to find it. If like me you are old and speccy, a magnifier is very helpful. All the best.
