Member Avatar for Mbiti

Plz help got this IBM p3 Thinkpad 600X that wont boot without bios password. av tried removing the cmos but no succeess. tried shorting the parallel port but wont work. Plz help

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Freddy Fly

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This thread is about older ThinkPads that refuse to boot because of a firmware-level password. and described locked machines, and and rightly declined to post bypass steps — that caution matters because BIOS/HDD locks are an anti-theft feature and can affect data ownership and legality.

Practical, legitimate routes:

  • Confirm ownership and gather the machine model and serial/service tag (usually on the chassis or under the battery) plus proof of purchase or ID.
  • Contact Lenovo/IBM support or an authorized service center. For vintage machines they may not hand out a "master" password, but can advise or perform a secure reset or hardware repair if ownership is verified.
  • If on-site service is needed, ask the shop exactly what they will do (EEPROM reprogram, board replacement) and whether data on the drive will be preserved.

If data recovery is the priority:

  • Remove the drive (if safe to do so) and attempt to copy files from another computer using the correct adaptor — but stop if the drive reports it is hardware‑locked or encrypted. A locked/encrypted drive can be made permanently inaccessible by incorrect attempts.

Warnings and tradeoffs:

  • Avoid online "master code" generators, publicly posted backdoors, or random hacks; they are often inaccurate, illegal in some jurisdictions, and can cause permanent data loss or hardware damage.
  • DIY firmware reprogramming requires specialised tools, ESD precautions, and experience. If not confident, use a reputable repair shop and insist on proof-of-ownership checks and a clear data-preservation policy.

Recommended next step: gather the serial and proof of ownership and contact Lenovo/IBM support or a trusted local service center and ask about unlocking options and data-safety procedures.

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Member Avatar for Suspishio

Google the problem. I'd rather not give you the answer because I don't know the circumstances by which you have got into this position.

Member Avatar for Darvus

Although not as tactful as one might strive to be, Suspishio is right (no hard feelings, Suspishio :) ). Due to the nature of the security involved, this is a touchy issue. The fact that the laptop wasn't initially yours and that the original owner went so far as to actually USE a bios-level password...I hate to say it, but your intentions do come into question.

If you have a legitimate reason, I apologize, but please understand our side of this. We're here to help those who need it, not help someone gain access to data that's not their own.

Again, if this is not your intent, then please disregard my statement.

Either way, I'm not posting an answer.

Member Avatar for Freddy Fly

I have a T22 think pad about 8 years old. recently it locked up.
I tried clicking on F1 then F12 but still I get the padlock logo and 1 over a cylinder ? Can anyone help . Thank you

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