This is the preparatory section where I explain some things about the chip, CMOS, asset and service tags, and passwords; so that you will have a good grasp of the big picture.

Hopefully it will also clear up any thing you have gotten a vague idea about on another website.

All computers have special chips inside them that store information about the computer.

Some of them are manufactured with permanent information that can not be changed (and, as a rule, all have exactly the same information on them; thus not for passwords.) These contain information about the computer model or are part of its functional circuitry.

Another type of chip (the kind we are interested in) is manufactured with a blank information area that can be programmed or filled with information. These chips are commonly used to store settings and passwords; and come in 2 basic sorts: VOLATILE and NON-VOLATILE.

VOLATILE chips use a source of electricity to help them keep their information, such as a battery. They are less expensive and are used to store computer settings, and also passwords on most computers. If one of these chips has a password on it, the battery can be removed and after a time (between 2 seconds to 30 minutes, depending on the chip) the password will be erased.

NON-VOLATILE chips do not need electricity to keep their information, but are more expensive. If there is a password on one of these chips, it can be removed from power for years and still have the password on it. (However this does not mean that it is permanent.) Remember that the information on Non-Volatile chips can be filled with information. This information can also be changed or erased.

If you have read this far you probably own a Dell or similar laptop with a password that is obviously stored in a Non-Volatile chip, or are an employee of a company that makes one. These laptops have most of their setting information stored in Volatile (inexpensive) chips, and their passwords are stored on a tiny Non-Volatile (more expensive) chip.

The chip that Dell uses is called a 24C02 chip.

This is the Chip Type number used to refer to the chip's design in the electronics industry.

The 24C02 is a small, rather common surface mount* dip* chip with 8 leads (or legs), which costs about $5. It measures 4.5 mm long x 3.5 mm wide x 2 mm tall, and stores 256 Bytes (or one quarter of a Kilobyte) of information. It is commonly used in modems, DIMM Memory, and other electronic devices; and in a different shape it is used in many wallet sized "smart cards." * SURFACE MOUNT means that the chip is soldered onto the surface of the printed circuit, instead of having pins sticking through the board. This is the most difficult type of circuitry to solder by hand.

• DIP means 'Dual Inline Package'. This means that the chip has 2 rows of leads (or legs) in straight lines running down its sides.

That's the chip we will be dealing with, or read the "Some unnecessary information about the chip." section later on.

The laptop that was used in this demonstration is a Model 630 type PPX. Other laptops may be different from the one shown in the full breakdown demonstration photos.

If a certain laptop does not correspond to any of these diagrams, more information might be found on the web, or, anyone not reading for informational purposes only - could decide to simply "Wing it."

Also, the chip containing the password may be in a different location on some motherboards, but it should be able to be found by reading the numbers on the top of the chip, although a magnifying glass might be necessary.

Now we are informed and ready to begin. Anyone attempting this procedure should have the implements they may deem needful or useful.

They may also wish to write down the Service Tag number for later use, as it will be erased.