BIOS update now asking for password?

I have an Aspire V5-571 laptop. I updated the BIOS using the appropriate download from this website, rebooted the machine, now it is asking for a BIOS password and will not load the operating system. After three incorrect guesses it provides a different hint key, everything I've looked up about these keys does not help. I've tried removing the CMOS battery and waiting for two hours, and putting the machine back together. The machine still asks for a BIOS password. Why would the ACER provided BIOS update put a password on my machine that blocks any OS from being installed? What am I supposed to do? I'm having trouble getting support to assist me as it's out of warranty, but I would pay money to have it removed. Unfortunately Acer seems content to point people towards *Answersby* which feel like all they want is to take $99 out of my account for nothing. Just want an answer of whether it's possible to get out of this mess.

Accepted answers

JackE

Remove the battery, charger, and memory module door on the bottom of the machine. Under one of the memory slots, there should be 2 closely-spaced tabs labelled G2201. While shorting these 2 tabs with a small screw-driver, plug the charger back in and push the power button. The BIOS should POST after which you can remove the shorting screw driver. Shut the machine off. Replace the memory module and battery. Then power up while tapping F2 to enter the BIOS menu. If you still get a password prompt, repeat the above until the password is cleared to enter the BIOS menu. Once inside the BIOS menu, press F9 to load defaults. The F10 to save and exit. Then hope for the best! Jack E/NJ

All comments

JackE

Remove the battery, charger, and memory module door on the bottom of the machine. Under one of the memory slots, there should be 2 closely-spaced tabs labelled G2201. While shorting these 2 tabs with a small screw-driver, plug the charger back in and push the power button. The BIOS should POST after which you can remove the shorting screw driver. Shut the machine off. Replace the memory module and battery. Then power up while tapping F2 to enter the BIOS menu. If you still get a password prompt, repeat the above until the password is cleared to enter the BIOS menu. Once inside the BIOS menu, press F9 to load defaults. The F10 to save and exit. Then hope for the best! Jack E/NJ

Anderbens

JackE said:

Remove the battery, charger, and memory module door on the bottom of the machine. Under one of the memory slots, there should be 2 closely-spaced tabs labelled G2201. While shorting these 2 tabs with a small screw-driver, plug the charger back in and push the power button. The BIOS should POST after which you can remove the shorting screw driver. Shut the machine off. Replace the memory module and battery. Then power up while tapping F2 to enter the BIOS menu. If you still get a password prompt, repeat the above until the password is cleared to enter the BIOS menu. Once inside the BIOS menu, press F9 to load defaults. The F10 to save and exit. Then hope for the best! Jack E/NJ

You're my hero. A screwdriver wouldn't work because the tabs were a little depressed, but a bit of conductive graphite did the trick. Password is gone, reinstalling Windows, feels great!

JackE

Congrats on your success! Jack E/NJ

Khurram707

Hi there,
I am using Acer Aspire 7 A715-715 and I activated "pre boot password" from Acer fingerprint app name PBA(pre boot authentication). The problem is right after activating this application my system got restarted and asking to "enter current password". I entered the password but it says "password check fail!!" After 3 attempts it says "enter unlock password (key: 1106012817)". I've attached the snaps as well. where can I get the unlock password?

Commodore_1995#

We can not provide any method for unlocking bios! Have you tried uninstalling the program Acer PBA?

Aymane

I am in the same desperate situation as this guy. My laptop is an Aspire 5 a515-51G. I don't know exactly where these two tabs are located in the motherboard. I have uploaded Images of it in here : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M0L1xm9KOTEtK7SAKUNssbhjCunOCzcz?usp=sharing
Are the two pins that I should short the ones labeled CD237 ?

Commodore_1995#

Has this notebook ever come with a password on uefi, or did you just forget your password?

Harvey-Acer_Retired

Hi Khurram707,Aymane

Unfortunately we do not allow/provide direct support or discuss any steps on unlocking BIOS passwords or bypassing of security features. (Please check/ review our Acer Community User Agreement)

We recommend contacting your local Acer support for better assistance: https://www.acer.com/ac/en/ID/content/partner-bali

Note: We will be closing this thread.

Thanks,
Acer-Harvey

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