My PC is locked out b4 windows loads~password issu

Hello,
My system is asking for a password when it initially starts up. This isn't a new thing for me, due to going into set up (f12 @ startup) and setting the password a couple of years ago. However when I went to undo that by going from setup f12>secutity> reset password, the instructions directed me to enter my current password then leaving the "enter new password" and "Confirm new password" entries blank. From what I understood, this would cause the system to no longer prompt me to enter my password...Well it still does, the only thing is that it doesn't recognize my password anymore. Now I'm locked out. After the first three times of trying, it now says, everytime I try to enter something, that the system is in locked out! must power down...(that isn't verbatim, but close)
Your suggestions of how to get out of this would help me out greatly! Thanks in advance!~
Update: Sorry for posting this twice but I had to opt for the instant email notification since I'm using a friends PC...

 

The simplist thing to do is just reset your BIOS to factory default. To do this, take the cover off of your computer (with your computer unplugged) and look for a watch battery on your motherboard. Remove that battery and hold the power button for 10-15 min. Replace the battery and cover and then boot your computer. It should say your cmos settings are corrupt and the computer is going to reset those settings to factory default. This should get rid of any passwords.

Very rarely, a computer will have a password it puts on the bios as part of it's factory settings. You will have to search google if that happens.

 

Senlis,
I actually ended up going to Dell support on this issue. here's what I had to do:
Unplug all cables from the tower
-Press and hold the power button down for 15 to 20 seconds to drain any juice left in the system.
-Locate the password pins and jumper to physically move it from the first and second pins to the second and third. There are 3 pins total.
-Put things back together.
-Turn on my PC (IT WORKED, HALLELUJA!)
-Repeat steps putting the jumper back onto the original 1st and 2nd pins.
-Reply back to you to give you my appreciation for your assistance Since I AM online again!!
Thanks for the start in the right direction.

 

Yea, same process. They probably just don't want you taking the battery out in case you really mess up the motherboard.

I am happy you got it solved.