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    I lost bios password

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by travigne, Dec 16, 2006.

  1. travigne

    travigne Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is there any way to reset the bios password for my 5102,how to reset it or something
     
  2. Br0k3nM0nk3y

    Br0k3nM0nk3y Notebook Enthusiast

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    Here are four options you can try:
    1- You can try flashing the BIOS with a newer version. This usually resets the password.

    2- You might be able to clear the CMOS checksum value with a program made by the BIOS manufacturer. I have a 5102 myself and my BIOS is made by Phoenix. So I could use Winphlash to clear my checksum.
    ftp://ftp.support.acer-euro.com/utilities/winphlash/winphlash-utility.zip

    3- Many manufacturers have backdoor passwords for their BIOS. If you can locate the correct one you would be good. Try things like bios, cmos, reset, etc. Or look all over the net to find one.

    4- (As a last resort) You can usually unplug the CMOS battery to reset the settings to default. That should erase the BIOS password. Unplug the battery (while the laptops is not plugged in and battery removed) and wait a couple of minutes before returning the battery. There may also be a set of jumpers that you can move to reset the BIOS also.

    *From the diagram I have it looks like the CMOS battery is between the 5 in 1 connector and the mini PCI slot on the mainboard. It doesn't look real easy to get to. You will definitely have to break out the screw driver. This is probably not for novices.

    NOTE: As always, be careful and back things up. Using the wrong flash can damage the CMOS.

    Hopefully the one of the first three things work for you.
     
  3. Ekim

    Ekim Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm pretty sure all you have to do is take out the main battery,for a couple a minutes. Thats I had to do to reset my synaptics touchpad.....

    when does it put up the BIOS passwd? before or after the acer splash?
     
  4. travigne

    travigne Notebook Enthusiast

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    thank you for the answer,but I can not flash the bios because I have latest one,and winplash only give me the option to save the bios and flash again, I do not see where to clear the checksum
     
  5. Br0k3nM0nk3y

    Br0k3nM0nk3y Notebook Enthusiast

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    Reflash it with the newest BIOS there should be (in the Advanced settings) a Clear the Checksum setting.

    I will run the winphlash on my laptop when I get some time after lunch and see if I can help find it. Unless it has been removed recently, there should be a setting somewhere in it. Sometimes it prompts you to do this when the flash is running.
     
  6. Br0k3nM0nk3y

    Br0k3nM0nk3y Notebook Enthusiast

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    The setting is on the Flags tab of the Advanced Settings.

    Hope this works for you.

    Have a great week.
     
  7. travigne

    travigne Notebook Enthusiast

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    thank you I will try and let you know, have a great week you 2
     
  8. Br0k3nM0nk3y

    Br0k3nM0nk3y Notebook Enthusiast

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    Also, I just noticed that in the Acer Empowerment suite there is eSettings Management. Inside that there is a tab that says BIOS passwords. Inside that there is a button that says Change and one that says Remove. This might be the easiest option of all.
     
  9. Br0k3nM0nk3y

    Br0k3nM0nk3y Notebook Enthusiast

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  10. travigne

    travigne Notebook Enthusiast

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    looks like the the winplhash is not compatible with my amd turion dual core, it tells me a file is missing when I go to advanced settings, I am not sure where to upgrade my bios from 2.0 to 2.6!, my notebook is 5102 MLMI, regards
     
  11. travigne

    travigne Notebook Enthusiast

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    in order to remove you need to know your old password as well