Choose the option to start the program (usually "Boot Main Menu" or similar). Clear Options: You will typically see options to:
Downloaded from a trusted, verifiable software archive.
The ISO filename must match exactly what's referenced in menu.lst .
Click Install grub4dos to install the bootloader, ensuring the grldr file is copied across pc cmos cleaner 2.0 usb boot
Under the Device dropdown menu, ensure your connected USB drive is selected.
Set "Partition scheme" to MBR and "Target system" to BIOS (or UEFI-CSM).
PC CMOS Cleaner 2.0 was designed primarily during the era of traditional Legacy BIOS. Modern computers use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). On newer systems, passwords may be stored in non-volatile EEPROM chips that cannot be wiped via software CMOS clears. If your modern PC is locked, you may need to enable "Legacy Support" or "CSM" in whatever capacity possible, or resort to manufacturer-specific master backdoor password generators based on your device's serial number. Choose the option to start the program (usually
The program attempts to decrypt the hash stored on the CMOS chip. If successful, it displays a list of potential matching supervisor or user passwords. Write these down, restart the computer, remove the USB drive, and attempt to log into the BIOS using the discovered keys. Choice B: Wiping the CMOS Registers (Recommended)
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Solution | |---|---|---| | | Secure Boot enabled | Disable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI settings before proceeding | | Blank screen after boot | Wrong boot mode | Switch from UEFI to Legacy/CSM mode in BIOS | | Parted Magic doesn't load | ISO file misnamed | Verify exact filename in menu.lst; ensure no spaces or special characters | | PC CMOS Cleaner won't run | Missing TXZ module | Confirm pccmoscleaner.txz is in /PMAGIC/PMODULES/ | | Password still present | Modern UEFI system | Try OEM-specific reset procedure; PC CMOS Cleaner may not work on newer hardware |
Some modern laptops use specialized security chips (TPM) that cannot be cleared by software tools like PC CMOS Cleaner. Click Install grub4dos to install the bootloader, ensuring
Follow these precise steps using on a Windows host machine: Step 1: Connect and Identify the USB Drive
Wiping the CMOS will reset system time, storage controller modes (such as switching from AHCI to IDE/RAID), and fan curves. You will need to re-enter the BIOS after the reset to adjust these parameters to match your previous setup. Conclusion
Works on modern laptops, notebooks, and desktop PCs without optical drives. Speed: USB drives often boot faster than CD-ROMs. Convenience: Easy to create on any working computer. Step-by-Step: Creating and Using PC CMOS Cleaner 2.0 USB
It is vital to understand the limitations of PC CMOS Cleaner 2.0 in the context of modern computing (2015–Present).
A drive with a minimum capacity of 1 GB . Note that the flashing process will completely erase all existing data on this drive. Software Assets