Circumventing BIOS Admin Password to install new OS.

[fd3]

Trying to install new OS on old laptop (that has probably been compromised by a hacking at work).

Unfortunately I can't change the boot order as I need BIOS Admin Password (what I don't have).

So - if I login on the machine and try to install when logged in - is this even possible, I seem to recall it was a thing in Linux.  Any thought on how to get round the lack of password?

[philip]

So - if I login on the machine and try to install when logged in - is this even possible, I seem to recall it was a thing in Linux.

https://goodbye-microsoft.com, but I've never used it.

Any thought on how to get round the lack of password?

Take the disk out and install linux from another machine.

[fd3]

Option 1 looks better, but I can't hook it up to the internet due to it's being riddled with the plague.

Option 2 sounds sensible in theory, but in practice it sounds like witchcraft to me.

[Gattopardo]

Trying to install new OS on old laptop (that has probably been compromised by a hacking at work).

Unfortunately I can't change the boot order as I need BIOS Admin Password (what I don't have).

So - if I login on the machine and try to install when logged in - is this even possible, I seem to recall it was a thing in Linux.  Any thought on how to get round the lack of password?

Is the back up battery easily removable?  Or there could be two solder mounds that wipe the bios.

What laptop is it?

[Feanor]

Most motherboards have a jumper or similar to clear BIOS settings.
Not sure if that includes passwords.
May require a bit of dismantling in the case of a laptop.

The make and model may help track down a manual for the machine.

[philip]

Option 1 looks better, but I can't hook it up to the internet due to it's being riddled with the plague.

The link on the page is a Windows exe. Use another machine to download it to a usb stick, then put that into the laptop.

[fd3]

^ Ace - or so I thought. But the .exe wants to download Debian from t'online.

[Kim]

Perhaps the BIOS firmware update process might clear its settings?  Of course, it might also require the password.

I'd be wary of installing anything (BIOS or OS) from a compromised OS.  That disk needs nuking from orbit, possibly with the aid of another machine.

[Afasoas]

One option might be to make the disk in the laptop unbootable. If other options are selected in the boot order, it will then boot from the next available option.

[fd3]

So, if I get a new harddrive and swap that out, will that resolve my issue?

(And how hard would that be for someone who's skills extend to ikea furniture, but not much further).

[lissotriton]

Depends on the laptop. Some are easy to swap drives over, some might involve dismantling the whole thing. Check the model number, then look for any guides on YouTube.

If you are taking the disk out, could plug it into another computer, then install Linux from there. Could buy a USB SATA adapter, would be easy way to connect it to another computer. Cheaper than a new drive anyway.

[Lightning Phil]

Make and model of laptop?

[Canardly]

Most motherboards have a jumper or similar to clear BIOS settings.
Not sure if that includes passwords.
May require a bit of dismantling in the case of a laptop.

The make and model may help track down a manual for the machine.

This or remove CMOS battery for 20mins. Remember to set date and time in Bios or will cause probs.

[Gattopardo]

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