Laptop Bios PWD issue

I'm working on a computer for a friend, and she does not know the password to the bios. I need access to the bios to change the boot sequence (for some reason F12 is not working at this time, i've repaired this laptop before no problems) so that i can boot an XP installation disk. I've contacted Acer directly, and they refuse to assist us as the laptop was sold through Best Buy and referred us to them. When i contacted Best Buy corporate and got a hold of Geek Squad, i got a non-geek who had no idea what i was talking about. I called the local store and the rep i talked to said they could fix it, but it would need to be shipped off to a repair center for 2-4 weeks, and this is conveniently not covered in her warranty. Is there anyway i can clear the password off the EEPROM, or will i need to either send it in to have it repaired or purchase a new motherboard for the system? Thanks in advance.

 

It's been my experience with laptops and BIOS passwords and power-on-passwords that if they are forgotten, you're basically skrood. I know with IBMs that once a power-on-password is set up, it is split into 3 encrypted checksums that add up via some algorithms to the entered password. The 3 checksums are then split up and spread across 3 different chips, so even removing the BIOS battery doesn't effect the password. I know that Toshiba laptops also become expensive paper weights when the passwords are forgotten. Maybe you can post the Acer model number and we can try to research the situation for you....

 

Thanks much for the offer, we were able to find out the password finally. Turns out when she bought it, it was a display model. Called the local Best Buy and they gave us the password and a sincere apology for leaving it on there. Thanks again.