Windows 7 - Urgent help needed - Linnemeyerhere

Ok so I've added a new Crucial m4 128 gb ssd drive to my desktop and used the crucial cable and software package and everything is peachy. But this is where I wanted to recycle the Crucial C300 64 gb. So I connect the cable and software to my laptop to clone it to the SSD and everything goes real smoothly till I unbolt the current WD drive and realize it's a older pata drive....damn so oh well I'll just go in and see if I can mount the SSD in my external usb enclosure and boot to a usb device. Well I can't get past the password request in the Bios.....heck I don't ever remember telling it to assign one, but I try all my variations and no joy so I figure oh well I'll just push the old original WD drive in and screw it down and then see if I could blog for a solution to the password issue. Now my major issue is this WD drive isn't booting and I can't get into the bios for the damn password issue. This original WD drive totally worked before and the cloning software which is provide by Crucial but is produced by Apricorn I'm hoping hasn't somehow altered the original drive.
This is a critical time for me and the use of this laptop and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Laptop is a older Gateway M505 running XP 32 bit.

Help!

Greg, does any of this make sense?

This leads me to the second issue which is getting into the Bios as it's asking for a password and I specifically recall not using a password to enter bios, but none the less as it was sometime ago I've tried all the passwords I would have used and no joy! Is there a work around the password issue to enter the bios in XP?

Actually it's really not an XP issue it would be a password in the bios issue as the OS isn't being seen yet so how do I get into the bios without a password or reset it !

You can try the jumper or CMOS battery method here: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

However pulling the CMOS battery (often underneath battery itself) on laptops does not always reset the BIOS password as there is heightened password security with laptops. You may need to wipe the HD as well.

Gateway manual says you have to return it to factory.

Anyone have an idea where the CMOS reset or battery is on a Gateway M505 laptop? I'll google as well.

OK so it's 10:30 PM here in California I'll be turning in but I'm keeping East Coast hours getting up at 4:00 AM so if anyone has a thought I hope to catch you in the AM. Thanks in advance !

Dumb question, but just to get it out of the way:

Have you tried entering a blank password?

You will probably have to remove the top cover. Look for areas where a small sticker or rubber insert might be covering screw holes.

Some of them are easier and have a couple of sliding tabs around the keyboard. Scoot them to the sides (or center, it varies) and the keyboard lifts out, giving you access to the guts. CMOS batteries on laptops usually look like the attached picture. (Unless they're welded onto the MB, in which case you need a software solution.)

I found a guide to replacing the keyboard and it is attached. I know that's not what you're trying to do, but it might get you a good look at where the battery is located.

I've been told there are no dumb questions here, yes the first thing I tried is leaving the password fill box blank.
I'm feeling so hosed right now but I trust that the original drive hasn't been altered, just cloned and this is just with this bios and password issue.

Let me begin by saying a hearty thanks to Greg and Steve ! I did this and OMG it's working and the weight of the world has been lifted and I feel like the emerging techie I've always wanted to be.....lol. I will defend to my last breath the honor of the great group of supporters here at SevenForums with out their support and knowledge so many things would be too scary to undertake. The pictures here are just shots and not a guide but once I removed the keyboard and a top plate with 5 screws the CMOS battery was right there....unplug, wait and re install and reassemble.









I've tried to REP your both but alias I must spread my love around but that being said you both are Da Bomb !
Cheers, the Cheese