Just created an account since this seems to be the only site discussing these things and there’s zero help or videos out there with the SOP16/SOIC16 adapter.
I have an XPS 8940 that I want to install a new hard drive and OS but it has an admin password so I’m unable to boot from USB. The previous owner is deceased and Dell has rejected my ownership transfer requests.
Your call…buy the correct adapter, dump and share it, if you want someone to look for a password/any user available to look into it…or get a replacement IC bios already programed and solder it or a replacement board.
Plenty of videos and very information around the web, on how to use the CH341A device…not an easy task for inexperienced users and don’t count on getting it done on the first tryout…or you could be luckier than others, who knows!
Thank you for your quick response. While there’s plenty of information about using the CH341A I can’t find any with regards to the SOP 16. Not even a picture of how to connect the clip to the CH341A.
Wow, l not the type of response I was expecting on this forum. I came here looking for help not to be criticized.
Maybe you lack reading comprehension skills, because I don’t see a 16-pin chip mentioned in either of those. If you could show me what I missed I would appreciate it.
Yes, you will have to get the soic16 clip you link, look at the datasheet both the 8 and 16 pin versions are laid out, pins labeled NC are unused, so just map the 8 pins needed.
First of all, welcome to this platform.
Naturally, everyone comes here seeking help.
However, the user needs to put in at least some effort to succeed.
After all, this isn’t kindergarten; you won’t learn the basics of reading and writing here.
Most importantly, I believe that making the effort to understand what has been written—without cutting corners—is the key to unlocking the solution.
Anyway… I apologize if I’ve said anything wrong.
I have worked with these chips before and even published a video about them.
I am not surprised that you searched but couldn’t find any documentation.
This is because search engines and AI systems tend to prioritize responses based on cookies collected from the user’s computer.
The schematics below will be very helpful to you.
You can convert that 16-pin chip into an 8-pin version; often, when you remove the 16-pin chip, you will find an 8-pin circuit layout underneath.
However, the operating logic is the same for both.
The middle pins are unused and serve no function.
Look closely at the images and try to understand them.
If you look below the CMOS battery, it looks like you have a blue Service Mode jumper with 3 pin placements. I can’t read the 3 labels below the jumper pins, but you should be able to on your board, and it might be possible to clear the password with one of those pin placements. Also, if you can boot into the current OS while in service mode, you may be able to at least dump your full bios with the correct Intel ME Flash Programming Tool (FPTW64.exe).
If you need to physically do it, you’ll need this thing.
My older posts have info you might find helpful. Good luck!
Well that sucks. It’s so much easier to mess with a service mode jumper. I can’t tell from that pic if the blue jumper is missing, or if there’s no place for one in approximately the same place.
Dell usually includes a blue service mode jumper with 3 pin placements on these types of boards, so it’s possibly placed elsewhere.
As far as the chip is concerned, you can also check here for specs for physical flashing.
Those first 2 pins may be standard mode. You might have to try bridging the next two up, and then the next/last two up. So far, it looks like all you’ve done is reset the clock via CMOS battery removal.
Let’s wait for @ismailTPC_Hastanesi to chime in, but I think you want to power down, bridge, and then power up.
When you have a jumper with pins, that’s how it works. You have a standard position bridged. Then you power down, bridge up and power up.
I think Dell provides a Standard position, a ME Disabled position, and then a Password Reset position.
Edit: Looking at my cheap 300 series chipset Vostro box, the middle position is standard. Your positions may be different. If these are bridgeable jumpers, bridging trial and error shouldn’t hurt your motherboard (assuming you don’t try it while you’re powered up).
@ChrisM, what you’re suggesting is possible, too. However, there is no explanation regarding the function of those 6 pins.
Generally, the pins I pointed out in the picture are known as PSWD pins on Dell motherboards; however, since the manufacturer left them unconnected—and considering they might have been designed for a different purpose—we shouldn’t overlook the risk of causing damage when the motherboard is powered on.
That is precisely why I recommended doing this while the motherboard was unpowered.
But I’ll reiterate: what you said might be correct.
In other words, the rule—“I think you need to turn off the device first, bridge the pins, and then turn it back on”—makes sense for Dell motherboards.
Ultimately, what happens if those pins serve a different function?
That is the real issue here.
We can only speculate. @marcus1, in this situation, one has to accept responsibility.
