If your Vivid E9 can boot from USB (even with a password lock, the boot order might allow service keys), GE service pucks (diagnostic USB drives) can bypass the BIOS password.
: Older E9 systems may not have a BIOS password set and are typically configured to boot from CD by default. Other System Passwords
⚠️ The Vivid E9 BIOS password is not the same as the Windows login password or the application login password.
When a BIOS password is set, it prevents unauthorized users from altering these settings. This is crucial because a misconfiguration in the BIOS could render the ultrasound probe inoperable or cause the system to fail its rigorous self-checks (POST).
Some older Vivid E9 units use American Megatrends (AMI) BIOS. Generate a backdoor password using the shown on the lock screen:
In older generations of PCs, manufacturers often included a "backdoor" password for technicians to use if the user forgot their password. These were often simple strings of characters. While some forums might suggest specific alphanumeric codes associated with GE platforms, relying on these is risky. GE Healthcare frequently updates the firmware on these systems. A password that worked on a Vivid 7 or an early Vivid E9 might not work on a later revision running software version BT12 or higher. Furthermore, entering incorrect passwords multiple times can trigger a "System Halted" state or a permanent lockout, necessitating a motherboard replacement.
If your Vivid E9’s BIOS screen shows a or a number like 5B8D-FA32 , you may generate a backdoor password.
It is also vital to distinguish between the System Password and the Setup Password .
The GE Healthcare Vivid E9 is a premium cardiovascular ultrasound system. Like many medical devices, it runs on a modified Windows operating system with a custom BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The BIOS password on a Vivid E9 is a critical security feature designed to prevent unauthorized changes to boot order, hardware configurations, and system settings.
[!IMPORTANT] A common issue when entering passwords is the Num Lock being on by default. Ensure Num Lock is turned OFF if you are using a sleek/laptop-style keyboard to avoid incorrect character entry. Administrative and Service Access
If the default passwords do not work, it is possible they were changed by a previous service provider or facility administrator. In such cases: