Can't install Linux without BIOS password
Hi, I was hoping someone may be able to advise me. I have an old Acer laptop that's a bit delapidated but I thought this would be an ideal chance to try out Linux as the laptop is basically of little value anyway so if I mess something up, nothing will be lost.
I've backed up everything I want to keep and I've written the Linux Mint image to a USB stick. I can get into the BIOS screen by pressing F2 but I'll be dammed if I know what my password is. I'm not sure if I ever did.
I read that updating the BIOS driver should allow me to remove the BIOS password but after a somewhat risky decision to run a driver I found on the internet (Acer refuses to recognise my old laptop so won't provide me any driver files), the BIOS still requires a password to open. Is there anything I can do with this old laptop? Is there any way to remove the BIOS password?
Edit: should have pointed out that the laptop uses UEFI rather than BIOS.
12 replies
If it was a desktop I would say just do a bios reset by pulling the battery or moving a jumper. Laptops are a different beast altogether and without specific model numbers it's a shot in the dark because manufacturer's use different techniques to reset at different times.
Have you tried pulling the CMOS battery?
Depending on how old the laptop is, that should work fine. Just find a manual or guide to help you locate the battery, and remove it for 30 mins (main battery too, of course). This will cause a full BIOS config loss and it will reset to defaults when you replace the batteries and reboot it.
This will not work if the laptop is a newer UEFI 'bios' though, and you're stuck trying to flash firmware with a password reset, as you've been doing. Acer shouldn't need to identify your laptop to give you bios files I'd think - you can usually bypass those automatic searches and instead search for your laptop model manually. I've not updated an Acer laptop in a long time though, they may have enshittified the process.
Good luck on your adventure
Thanks, I can confirm that it is a UEFI. It's about 13.5 years old so it's not super ancient. I downloaded a UEFI driver from a third party site to take it from v2.14 to v2.21. I haven't actually confirmed that it installed correctly so I will do that later. Acer requires you to input any one of three identifying numbers in order to give you this driver update but even after downloading their tool to get accurate system information, it refuses to recognise the information I've copy-pasted from their own tool. It's not very user friendly.
Users in several sites report success with the bios-pw.org site. Example: https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/110108/How+can+I+reset+bios+password
They say you try 3+ times, until a code is shown. Plug the code into that site for a reset code.
I have no idea if this is reliable or safe. Proceed at your own risk!
Yes, if the laptop is old enough that could work.
Thanks, I have tried this but unfortunately it doesn't give you a code, instead saying that the "system will halt" after I've tried the password 3 times and becomes unresponsive. I think this is because it's a UEFI - probably should have included that in my original post.
Ah, ok. Good luck with it!
You could try installing linux on a different machine and moving the drive over to the laptop.
The method to reset the BIOS password varies heavily by model. It's an Acer, so by definition it's consumer-grade, and doesn't have the higher security options of enterprise gear. Being so old (2012 or so, based on another comment, meaning ca. 3rd Gen Intel Core) works in your favor as well.
Start by googling for the model and "reset BIOS password". You might also look for similar/related models that would have the same method. Make sure you exhaust this thoroughly, because the next steps are rougher.
Next up, find forums like BIOS Mods and Bad Caps that specialize in BIOS needs. You may need to pay for a subscription, and it may get very intricate. And it may not even help.
Finally, you can find professional repair shops like Black Horse Repair. This will involve real money, probably more than it's worth. Make sure they have a plan before you send it in.
OK couple things. If u can boot an os there is some magic software that resets CMOS that can remove BIOS password. Also ripping the CMOS password often helps reset BIOS password.
I can access Windows 10 alright. Does this software work with UEFI as well as BIOS? I should have pointed out originally the laptop uses UEFI. Tbf I only found that out yesterday.
Idk I just vaguely remember using it to bypass BIOS password. Its operating on the CMOS so I don't see why it wouldn't work