Here's a one liner: python -c 'import crypt print crypt.crypt("test", "$6$random_salt")' Some computer models may have “back door” passwords that allow you to access the BIOS if you forget the password, but don’t count on it.Edit: Please note this answer is 10+ years old. This process will obviously be more difficult if you have a laptop you can’t open up. Follow our guide to clearing your computer’s CMOS to reset a BIOS password. Reset the BIOS settings and you’ll reset the password - you can do this with a jumper or by removing and reinserting the battery. The password is stored in volatile memory, powered by a small battery. This is easiest on a desktop computer that’s designed to be opened. You can generally bypass BIOS or UEFI passwords with physical access to the computer. RELATED: How to Clear Your Computer's CMOS to Reset BIOS Settings How to Reset a BIOS or UEFI Firmware Password ![]() On Mac computers, reboot the Mac, hold Command+R to boot into Recovery Mode, and click Utilities > Firmware Password to set a UEFI firmware password. Your computer’s UEFI settings screen will hopefully provide you with a password option that works similarly to a BIOS password. On post-Windows 8 computers, you’ll have to enter the UEFI firmware settings screen through Windows 8’s boot options. RELATED: What You Need to Know About Using UEFI Instead of the BIOS You’ll also want to visit the Boot Order section and ensure the boot order is locked down so people can’t boot from removable devices without your permission. You may be able to set different passwords - for example, one password that allows the computer to boot and one that controls access to BIOS settings. In the BIOS settings screen, locate the password option, configure your password settings however you like, and enter a password. ![]() (If you built your own computer, look for your motherboard model’s BIOS key.) If you need help, look at your computer’s documentation or Google its model number and “BIOS key” for more information. This key varies from computer to computer, but is often F2, Delete, Esc, F1, or F10. On pre-Windows 8 computers, you’ll need to reboot your computer and press the appropriate key during the boot-up process to bring up the BIOS settings screen. These passwords are set in your BIOS or UEFI settings screen. RELATED: How to Boot Your Computer From a Disc or USB Drive A BIOS password still does provide extra protection here, particularly in situations where people have access to a keyboard and USB ports, but the computer’s case is locked up and they can’t open it. They could use their physical access to reset the BIOS password - we’ll show you how to do that later. They could crack it open and remove your hard drive or insert a different hard drive. Of course, if someone has physical access to your computer, all bets are off. They could also boot from a Windows installer disc and install a new copy of Windows over the current copy of Windows on the computer. A Windows user account password doesn’t protect your files. ![]() They could boot from that device and access a live Linux desktop - if your files are unencrypted, they could access your files. The person could insert a removable device like a USB drive, CD, or DVD with an operating system on it. When your computer boots, someone will have to enter your Windows user account password to use it or access your files, right? Not necessarily. Let’s say you’ve followed good security practices and have a password set on your Windows user account. RELATED: Why a Windows Password Isn't Enough to Protect Your Data You can reset the BIOS password on a desktop PC that you can open fairly easily, but this process may be much more difficult on a laptop you can’t open. Warning: Be sure to remember any passwords you set. They allow you to restrict people from booting alternative operating systems on removable devices and prevent people from installing another operating system over the computer’s current operating system. BIOS and UEFI passwords are particularly ideal for public or workplace computers. If you’d like to protect your sensitive files, encrypting your hard drive is a better solution. Most people shouldn’t need to set a BIOS or UEFI password. RELATED: What Does a PC's BIOS Do, and When Should I Use It?
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