Requirements

• Motherboard manual or user guide
• Dell computer user guide
• Dell Service Tag
• Dell Express Service Code
• Recovery software (optional)
• Internet access
• Registration card

Instructions

Method 1: Change the Motherboard Jumpers

Get your motherboard manual and look at the motherboard diagram. Look for the password jumper. There should be a mark or label there indicating which one it is. This is usually the 3 pin CMOS jumper.

When you see it, open the computer case. If necessary take the user guide and compare the layout. The pins will be labeled or on “1″ and “2″. To reset a Dell BIOS password, pull off the two jumpers. Place them on the number 2 and 3 pins. Leave them there for 5 seconds. Now, pull the jumpers off and set them on pins 1 and 2.

Method 2: Call Technical Support

In some cases only a call to technical support will allow you to recover it. What the technical support will do is use the master password. This is similar to the backdoor password used by other companies. This is a code that will work on most models.

Before you call technical support, make sure you have the Service Tag and the Express Service Code. Having your registration card may also be required so take it with you too. When you have all the necessary information, call the technical support staff and they will reset a Dell BIOS password.

Method 3: Use Recovery Software

There are several programs on the Internet designed to reset and recover these types of data. You just have to go online. At your favorite search engine, enter your computer name and model along with “password recovery” or something similar.

If you can’t find a specific software, you can post a message on a forum. Post the pertinent data (computer model, BIOS settings etc). There are plenty of forums on the Net, so you can set the message in as many forums as possible.

When you get the software, download and install it. Follow the instructions so you will be able to reset a Dell BIOS password.

Tips and Warnings

• Be careful when you adjust the jumpers on the BIOS and CMOS settings. If you make a mistake, you might damage the PC or erase other data. Double check the manual to avoid mistakes. Be certain that the computer is turned off before attempting this.
• This procedure is for Dell computers only. If you are using other models, check the user guides for the appropriate steps to take. Also, some Dell models have unique specifications and troubleshooting techniques. Refer to the user guides for more info.
• Learning how to reset a Dell BIOS password is easier now than it has been in the past. As long as you take the right precautions you won’t have any problems getting this right.

How do I get my Yahoo email password? If ever you forget the password that you indicated when you register an email account at this site, there are two easy ways that you can use to retrieve the password. To make sure that you will not experience problems while retrieving this important information, it is essential that you use a laptop or PC that has the required system requirements.

Minimum System Requirements

• PC or laptop with any of these operating systems, Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP and Windows Vista
• Internet connection
• Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator or Mozilla Firefox
• 500 megahertz processor
• At least 64 megabytes RAM

Instructions for Resetting Yahoo Email Password

1. Launch the Internet browser and go to www.yahoo.com.
2. Select mail and click Sign-in Problems.
3. Type the information asked by the site such as date of birth, country and zip code for the verification of your identity.
4. If you have email accounts in other websites, all you have to do is to enter your email ID at Yahoo and then your password will be sent to your other email addresses.
5. If you are having problems remembering your email ID, just use the email address that you indicated when you create an account at the website. The site will send your password to that address.

Instructions for Getting Your Password By Running Messenger

1. If you are using Yahoo Messenger aside from Mail, then you can retrieve your password by launching the Messenger program in your computer.
2. At the bottom of the page, click the link that says Forgot your password.
3. Click next and type your ID in the provided box.
4. Type the code given on the page and click next.
5. Answer the secret question and click next.
6. At the succeeding page, the site will reveal your password.

Tips and Warnings

• Another effective way of knowing your password is by using the password recovery option of the web browser that you are using. However, you must remember that the steps involved in password recovery depend on the Internet browser that is available in your computer.

Reset the System

If you can’t find or remember the password, it’s best if you just reset everything. All you need to do is press the reset button. Hold it for 90 seconds or so. Let the button go. This should allow you to reconfigure the system. If the system does not reset, press the button again. Hold it down for a couple of minutes and release. Check the manual for a guide on how to reconfigure the system.

To manage LinkSys router passwords, connect the Ethernet ports to the computer. Go online and log in to http://192.168.1.1/. You’ll see a dialog box appear. It will ask for the username and password. Just enter “admin” for both fields. In some cases only the password field needs an entry. Just enter “admin”.

The steps above should be enough to help you recover and reset everything. But computers being computers, anything can happen. There could still be glitches. Here are some other suggestions to help you oversee the system much better.

Keep a Printed Copy

Storing everything on the computer is a good idea. But it can lead to disaster if the system fails to run or as in these cases, important data is forgotten. To better manage LinkSys router passwords, keep a copy of the code and other relevant facts with you at all times. Store them in a safe location. This information can be shared with someone else provided they are trustworthy.

This paper should contain all other pertinent data. This includes the various setup configurations you use. This might be needed in case you need to call technical support.

Choose the Right Password

Of course all the trouble can be avoided if you didn’t forget the code in the first place. You might be tempted to use something easy to remember but don’t. If it is something easy like your birthday or name, it can be learned quite easily. If you are running a network, this can lead to problems when you try to manage LinkSys router passwords.

A more complex code is needed. As suggested, having a printed copy will be handy. Even if the code is complex, you won’t have any problems using it.

Read the User Guide

Installing and getting the router and the ports to run can be quite complicated. Make the job easier for yourself by reading the instruction manual. It might also have additional info for retrieving forgotten data.

Familiarize yourself with the way the components work. This includes the reset button and the ports. Lack of knowledge makes it hard to perform even basic functions like resetting. If you know the way to use it, you’ll have confidence performing the steps suggested.

The best way to manage LinkSys router passwords is by combining technical knowledge and some planning. These will make it easier for you to overcome any potential problems.

How do I change my Hotmail password? Changing your password at hotmail is very simple. However, to do this successfully, the laptop or PC that you will use should have the minimum system requirements. Additionally, you need to follow the steps mentioned below carefully to change the password successfully.

Minimum System Requirements

• PC or laptop with any of the following operating systems, Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP and Windows Vista
• Internet browser
• Dial-up, DSL or broadband Internet connection

Instructions for Assigning a New Password

1. Launch the Internet browser in your computer and visit the website of MSN.
2. At the upper left portion of the page, click the tab that says hotmail.
3. Type your hotmail account and your password to sign in.
4. Look at the tab referring to Account Summary and click the link pertaining to change just underneath the password reset information.
5. A new page will be launched and you need to type your old password in the appropriate box.
6. Type a new password and retype it for validation
7. Click continue and a page confirming that you have a new password will appear.

Instructions for Changing a Forgotten Password

1. Launch Internet browser and go to www.msn.com.
2. Click hotmail and type your email address.
3. Click the link referring to forgot your password below the box pertaining to password and press enter.
4. In the succeeding page, you need to type the characters given by the site for validation.
5. You can choose whether you get a new password or you recover your old password.
6. If you want to get a new password, hotmail will send a new password to your alternate email address.
7. Check your alternate email address to get the new password.
8. Go back to the main page of hotmail and sign in.
9. Use your new password to check your email messages.

Tips and Warnings

• If it is possible, do not tell your password to other people to ensure your privacy and security.
• Always change your passwords for your own security.

Requirements

• Internet connection
• Computer
• Copy of information entered at site / program

Instructions

For Email Programs

All email services (software or Web based) allow you to change this piece of information. This process itself varies. After logging in, you can go to the “options” or “preferences” section. There you will see a link for altering the data.

What happens next depends on the service. Some will simply require you to enter the old password and then type in the new one. Others may ask you to reenter information you provided when you signed up.

These can include birth dates or answers to questions posted; for example, who is your favorite comic book hero? So when you decide to change passwords, having a copy of the personal info you entered is critical.

For Websites

A lot of websites now require users to create an account before they can participate. Usually you have to enter data like the username and an email address as well. If you need to alter it, you usually have two options. You can look at the interface / control panel and look for the right option. If there is none, you should send an email to the administrator.

For Internet Service Providers

Online service providers offer different methods to change passwords. Some provide the means at their website. Just log in to the website and enter your personal data. Then you can alter the passwords. Other sites require you to notify the administrator by email. Sometimes you will be referred to technical support. It’s probably not required, but having some personal info by your side might come in handy.

For Windows XP

Go to the Start Menu and open the Control Panel. Click the User Accounts. Choose your profile from the list. You will see the dialog box. In the first box, type your original password. On the next two, type the new ones. Now press the “change passwords” button. Close the windows. When you next log in, the changes will take effect.

For Windows Vista

Click Start and head to Control Panel. Go to Family Safety / User Accounts. Note: if you are in Classic mode, just double click the User Accounts.

Go to the “make changes” and you’ll see the appropriate link. Follow the steps you did in Windows XP mentioned earlier.

For Mac OS X

Go to System Preferences. You’ll see four icons. Click “My Account”. You’ll see the “Password” and “Change” buttons. Click “Change”. Type your original password. Two lines will appear. Type the new one there.

Tips and Warnings

• Your passwords should be altered frequently. This will make it difficult to crack. Also, don’t choose obvious ones like birthdays or your first / last name. An alphanumeric combination is best.
• Knowing how to change passwords is necessary knowledge. It can spell the difference between keeping your personal info safe and losing it. By knowing how to alter them, your data will be in better shape.

How can I change my AOL password? Changing your password at America Online is very easy. The steps are simple and you will not spend much time in assigning a new password for your email account. However, to prevent experiencing problems, you have to be sure that the computer that you will use has all the system requirements.

Minimum System Requirements

• PC or laptop that features any of these operating systems, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista
• 512 megabytes RAM
• Reliable and fast Internet connection

Instructions

1. Launch the web browser in your computer and look for the AOL toolbar.
2. Choose the link pertaining to change password.
3. A new window will appear and you need to type your old password in the appropriate box.
4. Look at the new password box and type a new password.
5. Retype your new password and choose change password.
6. Press enter and a page confirming your new password will appear.
7. Go back to the main page of AOL.
8. Log in using your screen name and new password to check if you have changed your password successfully.

Tips and Warnings

• Do not provide other private information when registering or logging in at AOL to avoid security breach.
• You only need to provide a screen name and password to sign in.
• Avoid providing bank accounts as well as credit card information.
• If you have several accounts at America Online, use different passwords for the accounts.
• Do not tell your password at AOL to anyone to avoid the chances that other people can view your emails.
• Change your password on a regular basis.
• In case you receive spam or emails from computer users that you do not know, avoid downloading attachments because these may contain viruses or tracking cookies.
• If scam artists have tricked you about your password, the best thing to do is to change your email password at AOL immediately.
• Whenever you have downloaded attachments or email messages that have viruses, tracking cookies or spyware, report the incidence as soon as possible to America Online Customer Service or call the hotline at 1-888-265-6304.

Required Tools

• BIOS recovery utility software
• Screws
• Screwdrivers
• Motherboard manual

Instructions

Method 1: Ask Technical Support for the Backdoor Code

This is by far the easiest method. Some computer companies have a backdoor password. This is a code that can be entered that is guaranteed to work. You can call them and ask for it. Or you can take the computer to the store and let them enter the data. However not all companies avail of this. If this isn’t possible you can try these other methods to reset the BIOS password.

Method 2: Use Software Utilities

There are several programs that can recover these settings. You can go online and download / purchase them. It should be said that not all of them work the same way. The setup in your system also determines their efficiency. Still, it’s a good idea to have them in your computer.

Method 3: Turn off the CMOS Battery

First get the user guide for your motherboard. Also prepare some screws and screwdrivers to open the computer casing. Check the user guide for the location of the CMOS jumper. Take out the jumper. This will eradicate all the information stored. But this will allow you to reset the BIOS password. Now you can reconfigure the data.

Method 4: Halt the Real Time Clock

This is also located at the motherboard. Again refer to your manual for information on how to disable it. Motherboard designs vary, so check your system specs. Follow the instructions for disabling the clock.

Note: this can be a very delicate process. Because motherboard setups differ, read the manual carefully. Read what it says about any dangers when disabling the clock or CMOS battery for that matter. If needed, you can call the tech support staff for advice.

Tips and Warnings

• Make sure to follow all instructions if you’re using a software recovery program. Trying to do something that isn’t in the manual can be disastrous.
• Turn off the computer when trying to disable the CMOS or clock. Also, double check that you pull out the correct jumpers. If you don’t have the guide anymore, check for the labels on the motherboard itself. When you try to reset the BIOS password this way, be sure you know what you’re doing. If you don’t think you can do it, take the computer to the shop. A technician will be able to pull out the right jumpers.
• Always have a copy of your vital system settings close at hand. Print them out if necessary. With this in hand you’ll have an easier time reconfiguring any system files. Keeping the user manuals is of course necessary. Store all of them together in a single folder or drawer. It might prove helpful if the tech support asks some questions.
• Understanding how to reset the BIOS password is vital. It’s not something you would worry about often but it’s a good thing to know.

Where are These Codes Used?

These codes are used in every major computer activity. When you log in to Windows, you have the option of using one with your user account. Email programs and services also require that you create one of these codes.

When you browse the Web, some sites require you to make a password with your account. Almost all of them will ask you to create this code along with a username. This is most true with forums.

Other sites that require this are online shopping and job related sites. When studying facts about passwords, you’ll eventually realize that they are required when working online.

Why are They Necessary?

There are two main reasons: to protect your privacy and provide security. You could be working with critical corporate data. To protect the information, you set up a code in your operating system. This way no one will be able to access your files.

This level of security is also needed when you work online. Assume you’re a Web content writer. By using a secret code, no one will be able to get in your account and interfere / steal your work.

Other facts about passwords are their ability to give you privacy. With this code in place, you don’t have to worry about anyone prying into your browser.

How Does One Choose the Correct Type?

You can choose any word or phrase. It’s a good idea if you avoid birthdays, your name etc. A combination of random letters and numbers is better. Anyone trying to break into your computer will have a harder time. It’s also a good idea to change them every few weeks or so. This will give you an extra layer of protection.

What Should I Do if I Forget the Password?

Most email programs have procedures you can use to recover them. This includes answering a series of questions. In some websites you just need to email the administrator. Among the facts about passwords you’ll learn is that the recovery process differs per site.

Tips and Warnings

• Never share the code with anyone. If you’re afraid that you might forget, write it down instead. Keep that piece of paper with you or near the computer.
• When an email service asks you the questions, answer it truthfully. If you don’t you might forget what answer you gave. If that is the question that the program asks to give you back the code, you won’t be able to get it back.
• Take care when you type them in. Some sites use codes that are case sensitive. If that’s the case, turn on or off the caps lock as needed. When typing, check it so you don’t make mistakes.
• Studying the facts about passwords is easy enough. Yet they perform very crucial functions. By making the right moves, you’ll end up with a secure computing environment.