Harddisk Security Lock Error. HELP

[anoble1]

When I boot my laptop up it is giving me a Harddisk Security
SATA Port 0 Toshiba ****** LOCK

When I hit enter it says enter password.

What do I do? I don't have a password.

 

[brady]

drive lock is in bios, does your startup options include bios before prompting for password?

 

[anoble1]

Yes, but I have tried every password. I don't have the "current password".

 

[James Colbert]

If the password is being asked for at boot (not at the Windows login screen), then it is indeed a bios password. If you don't know it, your best bet is to clear the bios, which should be outlined in your motherboard manual. If you don't have the manual, you can supply us with the maker/model of your motherboard and someone here can tell you how. Often, you can reset to defaults from within the bios. If not, there will likely be a jumper or two contact points on the board that can be jumped to reset it.

How to fill out system specs:

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/8-forum-rules-info-please-read.html#post256049

James

 

[brady]

remove BIOS/CMOS battery to flush the password cache... other than that, you might need to buy a program that says it will remove that password.

 

[anoble1]

I posted my specs. I can't find my laptop manual.

 

[James Colbert]

Here is a link to your manual (pdf format):

Acer Support: Drivers & Support Documents - Notebook / Aspire / Aspire 5532

Unzip the pdf file and search from within the manual for the term 'password'. There will be many results (approx 20-30). Browse through them. You might also search on the term 'bios' to become familiar with the settings.

If your system won't open the pdf file, here's a link to foxit's free pdf reader (I advise to keep Adobe Acrobat off of your system, unless it's already there...):

http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/reader4.php

James

 

[anoble1]

Got it, can't find out how to reset the password though.

 

[James Colbert]

The link should have opend up to the guide page, but click on the User Guides tab, then click on Generic User Guide (as per the attached screenshot):

 

[James Colbert]

Got it, can't find out how to reset the password though.

There is information on page 41 (on the PAGE, not the page the pdf reader says it's on...that is page 61 here). It looks like you can enable/disable with F5/F6 from within the bios on the Security page (you must press F2 to enter the bios at POST). If you are asked for a password to enter the bios, call Acer.



James

PS -
Best not to edit your post as a new response, as it doesn't show up in subscriptions as a new post and you may go unnoticed until you or someone else posts to the thread).

James