Sony Laptop Hell

[Level1Cache]

No bullsh*t.

My dad died right before Christmas and I have his Sony Vaio PCG-FXA63 Laptop. It has a Phoenix bios password that I have been trying to bypass without having to result to swapping out the dam security chip which would be a pain. If anyone knows how I could do this I'd really appreciate it. It is NOT a Windows login problem. There's a BOOT UP password that won't allow you to even boot to a floppy. Thanks for any help.

[PrntRhd]

A BIOS password can usually be overcome by removing the CMOS battery for 30 min, thereby the BIOS goes back to initial settings (without the password required).

[Level1Cache]

thanks. i did take the battery out actually. i was initially trying to avoid taking it apart, but i couldn't find a useable backdoor password.

[PrntRhd]

Did it fix your problem then, after the BIOS was reset to defaults?

[SoulDan]

Hi all,

I too have been tourched by the Bios password screen since September 2004. The circumstances are not as unfortunate as Level1Cache to which you have my condolences for your loss.

My IT Manager on the sly ordered this laptop through the company and then when we found out and sacked him but before handing it back he put a Bios password on it as a last ditch effort of revenage, bless!

I would be greatful for any advice other than taking the battery off as this I have tried and not got anywhere.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Danny

[david eaton]

taking the battery off

Which battery? A laptop has two batteries; the main large one which provides power to run the computer, and an internal coin cell to maintain the BIOS settings. While removal of the main battery is usually easy, the BIOS battery may be hidden inside, and need the case partially removed, depending on the model.