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 :
   • For AWARD BIOSes, use the Numeric Keypad (with NumLock ON).
   • AWARD 4.50PG BIOS always accepts AWARD_SW, or d8on, or 589589.
   • 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!

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