Hdd password

Aliktren

Bios - usually taking the motherboard battery out will reset the bios password (this is not the same as the laptop battery!!)

Aliktren

oops.nvm

so is this a vista install, and I assume it's a portable USB harddrive ?

Aliktren

if it's vista does this help ?

http://www.theexperienceblog.com/category/bitlocker/

LadyMorticia

I'm not sure if this will help but at startup if you press alt+f10 it might start the acer recovery tool. That will reset everything to the factory defaults. You would lose everything on the C drive though, including photos, music, any programs you put on etc. It may not reset the password or it may not delete it but I guess it's worth a try.

Don't quote me on it though. I'm waiting for someone here to correct me.lol.

xx

wacko911

I would say that HDD unlock is your best option.

The password is stored ON THE HARD DRIVE, so there is no software solution I am aware of that will recover the password free.

HDD unlock isnt that expensive, they are clever enough to make it cheaper than buying a new drive. Up to 250gb is 10 quid, and a 250 laptop hard drive is prob about £60+

You need to use a computer that is operational to recover the drive, ie a dessktop and plug the harddrive out of your laptop in as a slave. The whole process takes a couple of hours and then you will have one WIPED clean drive.

I think the password is a 40bit key, so I dont fancy your chances trying to guess it.

Just bite the bullet and pay to get it unlocked... I searched and searched for a free alternative and couldnt find one, and belive me I know where to look.

gtone28

Thanks for all your suggestions I am going to try the hdd unlock all important stuff like photos where backed up on cd anyway....

Plus for anyone with children would understand that they can sometimes do the strangest of things like setting passwords and forgetting what they wrote....Expensive lesson learnt.

LadyMorticia

gtone28 wrote: »

Thanks for all your suggestions I am going to try the hdd unlock all important stuff like photos where backed up on cd anyway....

Plus for anyone with children would understand that they can sometimes do the strangest of things like setting passwords and forgetting what they wrote....Expensive lesson learnt.

I don't have children yet but I did have foster brothers and sisters and I totally understand what you mean.lol.

mr_fishbulb

If you don't mind opening the laptop up, have a look at this page. It suggests removing the CMOS battery for 30 mins:

http://www.tech-faq.com/acer-bios-password.shtml

custardy

http://www.hdd-tools.com/products/rrs/

£25 but worth a try?