Hi all
Not case related - just helping a friend.
Does anyone have an idea on how to do a Security/BIOS reset on a Gateway 200ARC laptop?
It is the BIOS/Security password (not a HD one) because the drive, when removed, can be read.
- There is no Diskette drive
- Booting with a USB Diskette drive or a CD seems like it doesn't even touch those devices - get a SYSTEM PASSWORD screen after POST. The same screen shows up regardless of how it is booted. Haven't tried to boot of a USB Linux stick - that's next
- There is no hardware reset button on the bottom like some Gateway laptops
- All posts i have seen online say it needs to be sent to Gateway for resetting and they want more than my friend wants to spend.
- I can't seem to find a Service Manual to see if there is a MBoard switch or a way to pull CMOS battery for a while.
- Opening the HD bay shows two dip switches labeled RTCRST and CRISIS. Haven't found documentation on it to make me want to flip them )
- I'm running the drive thru FTK to see if the password was stored on there or there are other encrypted files that I can break to find a similar password.
Any insight/help/suggestions are welcome.
Thank you!
-=Art=-
Have you tried the TestDisk Site?
http//
Some laptops do have an "external" password protection, in the form of a small flash chip that holds the password
http//
http//
http//
Or sometimes it is the RTC chips itself
http//
There may be a way out, though.
Some HP's (and some other manufactureres) BIOS/Security features after you input three times the wrong password will give you a hash code.
There are programs that "decrypt" this hash code and give you a valid password
http//
(it is reported as working on a Gateway too, but cannot say)
Your Actual Mileage May GREATLY Vary.
jaclaz
Thanks for the links and the help.
@DOUGLAS
I can't get the laptop to boot using any method. There is no built-in diskette drive, doesn't boot off a linux boot CD nor off an external usb diskette drive. I'm assuming that CMOSPwd requires a boot of some sort. Am going to try to find an internal diskette drive to see if it may work.
@JACLAZ
I'm afraid you may be right about the EEPROMs holding the password, however, the laptop does give a code upon 3 wrong passwords. I'll try the HP site and also search for a Gateway/Phoenix program that will decipher the codes. I did try all the default passwords for Phoenix, with no luck (
Still accepting suggestions…. ) ) )
Thanx again!
-=Art=-
@JACLAZ
I'm afraid you may be right about the EEPROMs holding the password, however, the laptop does give a code upon 3 wrong passwords. I'll try the HP site and also search for a Gateway/Phoenix program that will decipher the codes. I did try all the default passwords for Phoenix, with no luck (
READ the given thread, there is a link to the actual program!
http//
jaclaz
Sorry JACLAZ - I should have been more specific. I tried the RapidShare link many times and the server was busy which is why I was going to search elsewhere.
I just tried the link again and it worked.
Apologies for not being specific and thank you for the help. Will be trying it later today to see if I get lucky )
Cheers!
-=Art=-
Sorry to use the board for this and for the probably utterly stupid doubt oops , but I got a PM from 4n6art to which I replied, but I have in Control panel
- Inbox (ok)
- Sentbox (ok this is where I find messages previously sent)
- Outbox (where my reply to 4n6art went)
Since I had no reply/confirmation of receival from 4n6art is the outbox a "new" sentbox or should some actions be taken to actually send the message? ?
jaclaz
Jaclaz
Thanks for the PM. I did get it and reply to you.
I was gone for the weekend.
Best…
-=Art=-
Good.
Hope you had a nice time-out.
I still wonder why the OutBox and SentBox, most probably a board software update of some kind.
jaclaz