IBM - T41p

How to Reset an IBM ThinkPad Power On Password Using Hardware

If you cannot boot the ThinkPad, you will have to reset the IBM ThinkPad password via hardware.

If only the power-on password is set, do the following to remove the power-on password.

  1. Power off the computer
  2. Remove the DIMM cover on the bottom side of the computer.
  3. Short-circuit the two password pads or put a jumper on the contacts to short the circuit.
  4. Under the short-circuit condition, power on the computer and wait until the POST ends. After the POST ends, the password prompt does not appear. The power-on password is removed.
  5. Reinstall the DIMM cover.