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CmosPwd works and compiles under Dos-Win9x, Windows NT/W2K/XP/2003, Linux, FreeBSD and NetBSD.

Typical Usage for DOS and all Windows users:

1) Identify your BIOS manufacturer (usually displayed at boot-up)

2) Start in DOS, or start a DOS session in Windows 95/98/ME. For Windows NT or Windows 2000 boot from a DOS or Windows 95/98 boot disk (you can find boot disks at www.AnswersThatWork.com), and run CMOSPWD from your boot floppy (or another floppy).

3) C: [Enter] cd CMOSPWD [Enter]

4) Type CMOSPWD at the DOS prompt and press Enter.

5) CMOSPWD will display a list of possibilities. Use the possibilities itemised against your BIOS manufacturer. Remember :

a) For AWARD BIOSes, use the Numeric Keypad (with NumLock ON).
b) AWARD 4.50PG BIOS always accepts "AWARD_SW", or "d8on", or "589589".
c) Old Phoenix BIOSes will accept "phoenix".

6) If the standard method does not work, then try to kill the CMOS password with CMOSPWD /K (and press Enter), and then see if you can get into the CMOS without a password. If you can, you successfully "killed" the old CMOS password. DO NOT KILL THE CMOS ON LAPTOPS!

On laptops, the password is usually stored in an eeprom on the motherboard,
you need an eeprom programmer (electronic device) to retrieve it.

Works with the following BIOSes
- ACER/IBM BIOS
- AMI BIOS
- AMI WinBIOS 2.5
- Award 4.5x/4.6x/6.0
- Compaq (1992)
- Compaq (New version)
- IBM (PS/2, Activa, Thinkpad)
- Packard Bell
- Phoenix 1.00.09.AC0 (1994), a486 1.03, 1.04, 1.10 A03, 4.05 rev 1.02.943, 4.06 rev 1.13.1107
- Phoenix 4 release 6 (User)
- Gateway Solo - Phoenix 4.0 release 6
- Toshiba
- Zenith AMI