Lenovo ThinkCentre passwords problem

[paulvernon63]

I have a ThinkCentre M71z and I'm getting an "Error 0199: System Security - Security password retry count exceeded on last boot" message at power on / restart. Entering BIOS also requires a password. I can cancel at that point but can't change anything in BIOS. At the error message I can press F2 to resume but then need a System Power ON Password. I believe the workstation has been OK until now and my colleagues are unaware of any passwords; I'm new to the job. I am wondering if a student has set the passwords somehow. I've tried removing the battery for 30 minutes with no effect. Any suggestions are welcomed.

[Joanne]

when you removed the battery, so you mean the laptop battery or the BIOS battery?

 

I'd say you need to remove the BIOS battery for a good hour, or find the jumpers on the MOBO that reset the BIOS. With little netbooks they used to be found under the RAM.

 

https://support.lenovo.com/gb/en/documents/migr-52235

[difinity]

You'll maybe want to look at the other computers and put passwords on them before the students do, if there aren't any set up already.

[paulvernon63]

Thanks Joanne. The ThinkCentre is a PC so I meant the BIOS battery; that didn't make any difference. I'll try to find out if I can reset the BIOS using jumpers.

[Joanne]

Ah BIOS jumpers on PCs are easier to do! Should have caught that it was a PC... silly Joanne! ThinkPads are laptops aren't they?

[paulvernon63]

Just an update. I managed to find the BIOS reset jumpers on the motherboard. There's not much on the web to let you know where they are; the photo (if attached) shows. Simply remove power, swap the jumper over, power on for 10 seconds, power off, remove power, move the jumper back, power on again.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Not at all, Joanne. Thanks for trying to help. Got me on the right lines!

[Joanne]

Glad you got it sorted