Chapter 5 175
Clearing Password Check and BIOS Recovery
This section provide you the standard operating procedures of clearing password and BIOS recovery for
Aspire 5538. Aspire 5538 provides one Hardware Open Gap on main board for clearing password check, and
one Hotkey for enabling BIOS Recovery.
Clearing Password Check
Hardware Open Gap Description
Steps for Clearing BIOS Password Check
If users set BIOS Password (Supervisor Password and/or User Password) for a security reason, BIOS will ask
the password during systems POST or when systems enter to BIOS Setup menu. However, once it is
necessary to bypass the password check, users need to short the HW Gap to clear the password by the
following steps:
1. Flash to BIOS v1.04 (or later version), and enter BIOS Setup Utility.
2. Set the Supervisor password, User Password, and power on password. Press F10, and save and exit.
After the Save, the notebook auto re-starts.
3. After power-on, the system prompts to input the p asswo rd. Enter the p assword set in step 1 and allow the
device to startup.
4. Press and hold the power key to shutdown the system.
5. Open the memory door and remove the memory modul es.
6. Remove the battery pack and AC adapter.
7. Short the R72 Pins shown above (ensure that the circuit is complete).
8. Replace the memory modules and close memory door.
9. Replace the battery pack and power on the system.
10. Press F2 at the prompt to enter BIOS. Check the Security screen shows Superviso r and User
Passwords are clear.
Item Description Location
R397 Clear CMOS Jumper Memory Bay