Can a locked security alarm system be unlocked ?

If you have a locked alarm system, it's usually best to attempt to contact the installing company to have them unlock it, possibly at a service call charge.

Generally, especially for a pro installer, the cost of attempting to unlock a control panel, is greater than the cost of replacing it.

There are some manufacturers that will unlock and default locked equipment, as well as third party people that will unlock a locked board. While this may be an option, keep in mind the obvious facts. You will have to remove all the wiring from the board, and then remove the board from the enclosure. You then need to pack the board up, in a static resistant packing material, send it off and wait an amount of time for the board to come back. You then have to reinstall the unit, reprogram it, then at the end of the affair, you still have a used alarm system, which may or may not be functional.

The unlocking fee and shipping cost will generally be about half of the price of a new board and the time involved may be two to three weeks. Most resellers and dealers will warranty a new board, so you're covered. You also won't have to go without an alarm for an extended period of time.

Unless you have a very rare or specific panel or lots of obsolete parts that would need to be replaced, the price and effort to unlock a board really isn't worth it.