Corebox i5-5257U Bios Lock - Need directions on bios reset

MiniPC Corebox 4th
1

CoreBox 256G20092647
Used Facebook Marketplace Dec 5, 2024

I purchased a used CoreBox CWi526 without an SSD and the seller told me that it has a password lock. I thought it was a Windows password and I would reload the OS altogether. I find out that is a bios password and I would like the reset bios altogether and start fresh. Can someone explain the procedure to reset bios to factory? I have tried unplugging the bios battery, pressing and holding in the power button but no luck. The unit does not have a bios reset button.

Your help is appreciated.

2

I got my answer from Chuwi support:

Dear customer,
Regarding the solution to the issue of forgetting your BIOS password;
1.Replace the motherboard .
2.Send the device to professional repair personnel, who can reflash the BIOS using a programmer.
We cannot clear the bios password remotely.

Regards,

Chuwi Official Support

CHUWI Official Support Team from CHUWI INNOVATION LIMITED.

3

Just in case you need the BIOS

1 Like
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Thank you.

5

Some good news. I was able to unlock the bios. First off I was making a mistake in regards to the bios battery connection. I thought it was on the top of the motherboard along with the fan plug. I was wrong. The other plug was the on/off switch. I took out the CPU cooler because it blocks the 4th screw that you need to remove. When I was able to pry the motherboard out of the housing I found the actual bios battery and its connection on the bottom of the motherboard. I also found 2 “reset” buttons. Actually I have no idea what they are for, but I unplugged the bios battery and pressed both “reset” buttons for about 10 seconds. I reconnected the bios battery I started the Corebox back up before putting it in the case and without the CPU cooler. I had it on long enough to see that I could actually get into the bios now and turned it off. I put everything back where it belongs and was able to again boot into the bios. I have no drive at the moment so it will only go into bios. I have an M.2 Nvme drive on order and it should be here by Friday. I will look at flashing the bios with the latest version that Chewi provided in this thread and go from there. Took some pictures to go along with the tale.

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ChuwiSpainSuppport,

I have the CoreBox up and running, but I am trying to install a M.2 drive in the computer and it is not being recognized. I picked up a TEAMGROUP MP33 256GB SLC Cache 3D NAND TLC NVMe 1.3 PCIe Gen3x4 M.2 2280 Internal SSD TM8FP6256G0C101. Did I pick up the wrong kind of M.2? Amazon.com: TEAMGROUP MP33 256GB SLC Cache 3D NAND TLC NVMe 1.3 PCIe Gen3x4 M.2 2280 Internal SSD R/W Speed up to 1600/1000 MB/s Laptop&PC Desktop TM8FP6256G0C101 : Electronics

Any idea on the thread size for the M.2 hold down?

I am able to boot the computer from a 2.5" SSD, but would prefer to use the M.2 and use the SSD for storage.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Joe

7

Well, I figured out the question of what type of M.2 SSD I need. It needs a M and B slot and SATA only.

I still need to know the thread count and pitch for the hold down screw.

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The thread size is 1.4x2. It is definitely an off size, but that seems to be Chewi.

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I am slorry sometimes this forum does not put the threads on the top so i am not able to see them
how can i help? because im not sure what is question :slight_smile:

10

I figured out all the issues I was having on my own and posted those answers in this thread.
Thanks