Aspire 5672WLMi BIOS Password and Standby Problem

[risslerp]

I have an Acer Aspire 5672WLMi that I've had for about three weeks. I've set it up with a BIOS password and a Windows Password. Everything has worked fine (except for the firewire port). Yesterday for the first time, instead of turning off the notebook, I just closed the lid. This supposedly puts the notebook into suspend mode. When I got back, I opened the lid and the notebook asked for a password (it was displaying the BIOS password screen). I entered the password and the Notebook displayed a "Setup Warning Invalid Password". The notebook would not accept the password. I talked to Acer Tech Support and the person said that I must of changed the password 'cause the computer doesn't change itself. I didn't change the password, I'm sure that the computer didn't change it. I think there's a bug somewhere between Windows XP Pro SP2 standby mode and the BIOS. I've had no problems with the Password when I turn the notebook on and off only this one time when it was in standby. Of course the remedy is to send the notebook into Acer for repair. This would take from 7 to 10 days. Luckily or unluckily the firewire port never worked on the notebook and CompUSA was going to exchange it for a new one. Hopefully it'll be here in a day or two.

Any hardy souls want to confirm this password problem with their new 5672?
--
Pete Rissler

[wynand32]

Odd... I've been having problems getting my 5672 to go into standby, period. It's a periodic thing, but sometimes I have to reboot before it will standby. I don't have a BIOS password set, so I haven't run into that issue.

[risslerp]

Ok, I said screw it. I opened the bottom of the notebook, found the backup battery and shorted the contacts. Turned the notebook on and viola the BIOS was reset. Damm it, I hate when people lie to me. The Acer Tech specifically told me you can not reset the BIOS by unplugging the backup battery (OK, I couldn't unplug the damm thing thus the short).

Pete

[Creosote]

I have noticed that it sometimes doesn't go to standby mode after idling for the appropriate amount of time.

Creosote.

[risslerp]

I have conducted the test again. When I close the lid for about 10 mins and then open it. The notebook ask for the Windows logon password. When I tried after about 8 hours, I hit the "enter" key and the notebook asks for the BIOS (or System) password. This screen does not accept the Password that I had set in the BIOS and requires me to short out the CMOS battery.

Now I have found an entry in the Acer ePower Management App under the Advance Settings Tab, Power Button and Password, Password. There is a check box for Enable Prompt for Password. The description for the check is: For enhanced system security, you will be prompted for your password when returning from system Standby or Hibernation mode, if the option is enabled.

The check is on by default. I'll give it one more try with this check box off.

[risslerp]

One more time, I've done some more test and this is what I've found. First let me clear up a couple of things. When in Standby it requires a key press to resume. When in Hibernate the power button needs to be pressed to resume. Here's a table of what combination of power down and password that will work. Yes, means the combo works; no, means you'll either have to remove the CMOS power to reset the BIOS or send the computer to Acer.

----------------------Power Down Setting
Password Type-------Standby-----Hibernate
BIOS------------------Yes-----------No
Windows--------------Yes-----------Yes

Basically Do Not use a BIOS Password when using Hibernate. Here's the setting from the notebook.

OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Name
System Manufacturer Acer, inc.
System Model Aspire 5670
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 6 Model 14 Stepping 8 GenuineIntel ~1666 Mhz
Processor x86 Family 6 Model 14 Stepping 8 GenuineIntel ~1666 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date Acer v0.3209, 12/21/2005
SMBIOS Version 2.4
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)"
User Name
Time Zone Pacific Standard Time
Total Physical Memory 2,048.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 1.38 GB
Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB
Page File Space 3.85 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys

[witt]

I've just got exactly the same problem with a new Travelmate 8200. The tech support guy was unhelpful, asking me to bring the laptop in and pay for the reset.

Where is this CMOS battery located? I have to options - to start hassling Acer on a mid to high level of pissed-ness or reset it myself.

[johniko]

hi risslerp,

would you describe how you shorted the battery. I have the same problem and would appreciate the help. thanks.

[risslerp]

This is what I'll do. I'm going to update the BIOS tomorrow and see if that cures the problem, regardless I'll open up the computer and take a photo showing where the backup battery is and the connector.

[risslerp]

The new BIOS 1.3219 fixes the BIOS Password Hibernate Problem.
How to disconnect the CMOS battery.



Turn the computer over and remove the screws, there are also a couple of places where the cover clips in the bottom.



On the right side is the CMOS battery. Disconnect the connector and wait a few secounds. This will reset the BIOS. Reconnect the battery and cover, then reset you passwords. If you can't get the battery disconnected you can short the battery. Using a small (jewelers) flathead screw driver, gently place the tip between the connection, hold screwdriver there for a few seconds, this should reset the BIOS. Make sure your screw driver provides a good connection. I was able to do it with one screw driver but not with another.

Pete