Reset, Remove, Clear BIOS Password, solved (Acer Aspire 1500 series)

Lots of online advice on getting past a BIOS password, I tried most of them but with very little success. Disconnecting the CMOS / Real time clock battery seems to be the favourite, this didn't work on the Acer even after many hours it would not reset the password.

I'm not familiar with any other models in this range, the model shown is the 1501LMi. I'll be the first to admit I'm no expert in computer maintenance but I do enjoy taking things apart and hate being beaten. After a lot of searching on the net I found a service manual on this model with intructions on how to dismantle it.                                                                                                                                                            To cut a long story short I ended up with the thing in a million pieces (then discovered this was not necessary). All you have to do is remove the screen hinge covers, and undo the 2 silver screws either side of the screen that hold the top panel in place.

Push the rear of the panel beneath the screen to release it.














Bend the screen back flat and lift the panel free.
There is no need to disconnect the operation panel.












Unclip and lift keyboard forward again, no need to disconnect.














Now we can see the blue CMOS / Real time clock battery. No need to disconnect, doing that doesn't work believe me!!

  

This is what we are after, component SW1 which has 4 dip switches marked 1 to 4. Take a fine screwdriver and move dip switch 1 to the ON position. At this stage you can reassemble the laptop which will leave the BIOS password off every time your computer boots or you can boot F2, set a new password and return dip switch 1 to the off position. Be careful when booting, take care to ensure no connectors can short.

There you go, not bad for a non geek. Don't know if this works with other laptops, never opened one up before. Let me know how you get on and good luck. Acer charge $100 for this repair.