I used to sell ThinkPads. There a several levels of password in the ThinkPad hardware depending on the ThinkPad and you don't say what you have.
You may be able to reset the one that has been set on your ThinkPad but there was a very 'deep level' password designed to make the ThinkPads into scrap if they are stolen. It does this by requiring the replacement of the motherboard.
Let's hope that if your's is a stolen one that you have bought that is has that kind of password set.
t
September 2008