BIOS password for Compaq Presario

[Diablo]

For security reasons, i really need to setup a bios password on my computer. Although i have a security administrator program, and a windows startup password, these are rather easy to get around. I have a compaq presario 5461 if that helps.
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I turn on the computer, press F10 to enter CMOSS setup.

I go into BIOS features setup and theres a security options category, but it says [setup] next to it & I can't do anything to change it.

The password setting in CMOSS is just a password to enter CMOSS Setup.
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If anyone can tell me how to set the bios password, or perhaps a program that can setup one, it'd help me a lot. My family's been going through my outlook emails & other personal files, despite the security that i already have setup. (i've also hidden any personal files, and they've gone though quite a bit to access them)

Thanx for the help

[coleslaw]

usually there is an option in the bios that allows you to choose what the password will protect. generally, it will be setup and system; setup requiring a password to edit the options in the bios, and system requiring a password to actually process the bios settings and boot the operating system.

[Diablo]

alright, i go into CMOSS setup. there are several categories.

One of them is [Bios Features Setup]. I go into this, and there is a security option, and it says [setup], although i can't to anything to change this. This is what i need to set the BIOS password most likely.

I already have a password set to edit the options in the bios, I'm not worried about that.

I have tried several things, and tried compaq support, but they can't help me...

[enigame]

it's a really easy thing ihad nearly the same model you have. just go into your bios settings hit either F8 or F10 when you hear a little beep go off, go into security, then advanced options, set password. that's it.

this password should go into effect right after the bios has been launched preventing even DOS from loading in mem-high...

make sure you save settings on exit.

[giambona]

If you really want security, get a more secure operating system like NT4 or Win2k. If someone knows a little about hardware, all they really have to do to get rid of a BIOS password is remove the CMOS battery. Also, many computers have a reset switch right on the motherboard.

[gwilks98]

to go along with what giambona said, if you REALLY want security, go with a better OS.

If you just have to have 98 for compatability issues (like me) make sure that when you do finally figure out how to set the BIOS password stored in the CMOS, make sure you change the boot order so that the computer boots from the hard drive before the floppy or CDROM. That way, even if your family can't get inside your case, they can't bypass the BIOS either.

5461, huh? I think I used to sell those. The bitch about Compaq computers is that for a while, they were using really strange commands to get into the BIOS. How old is the computer? Perhaps there is a different way to set a security password?

One final thing: Try compaq utilities. There might be a way to set up the boot password in there. (not to be confused with the windows user password)