[deenine]

When I power up my Compaq LTE 5000 Notebook, a dos-like dialog box called 'password verification' asks me to enter a password... and I've no idea what it is!
I can't use utilities like KILLCMOS.EXE, as the system doesn't get as far as booting.
Forget about removing the CMOS battery, tried for ages there. No reset jumper in sight, either. Any ideas?

[LarryCore]

The only way through a CMOS password that stops all boot devices is through the battery. You said you've tried that - but what, exactly, have you tried? You didn't just take out the NiCad right?

[deenine]

No! I've removed the main (NiCad) battery, and it's running off the power supply; I've also disconnected the battery found via a little door on the bottom of the case - is this the CMOS battery? (like a long AAA).
Compaq says for this series of notebooks to "dissasemble" to remove the CMOS battery, not just pop a door; either way, I've now fully dissasembled it, and found no other batteries!

[LarryCore]

On most of the notebooks that I have taken apart (not too many, I don't usually repair notebooks) there is a small, lithium type, battery hidden deep inside. It is the backup CMOS battery. I have generally found it near the screen hinges, under a protective plate or a layer of PC Board. Thankfully, the ones I have dealt with have all been plugged in, not soldered on.

I would guess that you have something similar, hiding in the depths of your machine. Until you unplug it, along with all the other batties and AC, you are going to remain stuck.

[deenine]

Got it!
After leaving it on my desk for the last few days, I decided to disassemble it one more time...
I didn't find any other batteries (that 'long AAA' in the base *is* the CMOS battery) but I did find a jumper that did the trick!
The jumper is located next to the plug for the status panel LCD, near the Power switch. Only 3 screws on the back of the notebook need be removed to do this - wish I'd known this before!

[deenine]

Got it!
After leaving it on my desk for the last few days, I decided to disassemble it one more time...
I didn't find any other batteries (that 'long AAA' in the base is the CMOS battery) but I did find a jumper that did the trick!
Only 3 screws on the back of the notebook need be removed to do this: remove the panel containing the power switch; the jumper (called J1) is located next to the plug for the status panel LCD. Briefly place on pins 1-2, then replace to pins 2-3. That's all, except closing up the machine again!
(& closing this topic, thanks!)

[LarryCore]

Glad to hear you found it!

Closing at user request.