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kjlamkin · Nov 16, 2005, 11:32 AM

I am having an issue with my notebook. I forgot the password that I put on it a year ago when I bought it. I need to know either how to remove this password, or what tools are needed to remove it. I am willing to take it to a service center, but I cannot afford to send it to the Sony facility in San Diego.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Chery · Nov 16, 2005, 11:54 AM

Is it just the bios that you can't get into or the laptop too? I also have a Vaio and I never put a password on, I use a tracking program to find it if stolen, but nobody else uses mine, so I don't password it. Try looking for your documentation, maybe you wrote it down somewhere with the package it came in. Hope you get it working again. A sony technician at a shop should be able to get in the 'back door' and install a newer bios for you. Try that first before sending it to Sony.

Good Luck.

Curlyben · Nov 16, 2005, 12:07 PM

But being a laptop, whatever you choose is going to mean yo uhave to open it up:

http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-1035_11-1032878.html

If you are not comfortable with doing this then its time to get the green backs out. :(

Sorry about that.

My recommendation is pay a company then at least you can kick their asses when it goes wrong.

kjlamkin · Nov 16, 2005, 12:51 PM

Thanks for the suggestions and quick response. I am unable to get into the bios only, I can log onto the computer. For some reason at the time it seemed a good idea to password protect the bios. Unfortunately I didn't write it down from what I can remember. I will try what you have said.

You wouldn't happen to know if there is a place in Michigan that works on Sony?

Chery · Nov 17, 2005, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by kjlamkin

Thanks for the suggestions and quick response. I am unable to get into the bios only, i can log onto the computer. For some reason at the time it seemed a good idea to password protect the bios. Unfortunately I didn't write it down from what I can remember. I will try what you have said.

You wouldn't happen to know if there is a place in Michigan that works on Sony?

Go to the Sony site, and have your model, serial, and other numbers available, they will also have the latest drivers and updates for you to download there. Maybe even a new bios... but make sure you read all the documentation when downloading. Then check the yellow pages for sony vaio products in your area, if they sell them, they should have a rep. tech come by at least once a week. Good Luck.

WhoaMan · Dec 1, 2005, 09:17 PM

hey, I recently had this problem with a pcg-z505je. The pcg-z505je has no floppy or cdrom. Someone set a bios password and did not remember it. Rather than having sony replace the bios (expensive ness) or buying a replacement from another source, I downloaded winphlash (the windows updater for the phoenix bioses) and made a backup of the current bios... then I re-burnt the backup to the Flash ROM... but here's the key... under advanced settings tell it to change the CMOS checksum. This will make the cmos settings invalid... invalid cmos settings = default values loaded... deafault values = no password.

Chery · Dec 2, 2005, 04:49 AM

Originally Posted by WhoaMan

hey, i recently had this problem with a pcg-z505je. the pcg-z505je has no floppy or cdrom. someone set a bios password and did not remember it. rather than having sony replace the bios (expensive ness) or buying a replacement from another source, i downloaded winphlash (the windows updater for the phoenix bioses) and made a backup of the current bios... then i re-burnt the backup to the Flash ROM... but heres the key... under advanced settings tell it to change the CMOS checksum. this will make the cmos settings invalid.... invalid cmos settings = default values loaded.... deafault values = no password.

This sounds all well and good, but for those of us who don't know how to do this, could you please explain how step by step, it would be really helpful, thanks... Getting the new drivers and bios from the Sony site did not cost anything, as long as the equipment is registered and you have all the applicable information they request, you download it for free, with instructions and precautions on how it's to be done,
But if this is no longer possible, your step by step instructions would suffice.

WhoaMan · Dec 2, 2005, 01:46 PM

I will take some screenshots of the process and setup a simple webpage as a guide how to do it. I will link to it after it is done :)

WhoaMan · Dec 2, 2005, 08:03 PM

All right, here is the guide I have made http://elazulspad.net/eric/phoenixbios.html
:)

Chery · Dec 2, 2005, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by WhoaMan

alright, here is the guide i have made http://elazulspad.net/eric/phoenixbios.html
:)

Excuse, made mistake in rating meant PCG GRT240Z Sony Vaio,
The only thing I could not find yet, after having to reformat and reinstall all drivers is the TV card driver and channel and volume control drivers. Any advice? The controls for sound and channel are right under the finger(mouse)pad.