How to Break a Lock Code on a Gateway Laptop

The Gateway laptop's setup program, called the basic input/output system, or BIOS, writes hardware configuration settings to a chip on the motherboard. The metal-oxide-semiconductor, or CMOS, battery provides power to this chip. You can create a lock code, or password, in the BIOS to prevent other users from accessing your computer without permission, but if you forget the lock code you can no longer boot into the operating system or any other program. On some Gateway models, however, you can extract the CMOS battery from the motherboard and remove power from the chip, resetting the BIOS configuration to default and erasing the lock code as a result.

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Antistatic wristband
Small flat-head screwdriver
Small Phillips-head screwdriver
Flashlight

Instructions

- 1
  
  Shut down the laptop and disconnect the power adapter. Check the indicator lights at the front of the computer to confirm that the laptop is completely powered down. All the indicator lights should be off.
- 2
  
  Put on an antistatic wristband to protect the internal hardware. Close the display panel and turn over the Gateway laptop so that the bottom is facing up.
- 3
  
  Slide the battery release tabs, then extract the battery from the computer. Turn the computer over and open the Gateway laptop as far as possible.
- 4
  
  Insert the tip of a small flat-head screwdriver underneath the central console, located just above the keyboard and just below the monitor.
- 5
  
  Work the tool around the right, left and bottom edges of the central console. Pull up on the console to remove it from the laptop.
- 6
  
  Loosen the two Phillips-head screws that are securing the keyboard to the Gateway laptop. Push the keyboard toward the monitor, then lift the keyboard up by its top edge.
- 7
  
  Turn the keyboard over, then set it facedown on the palmrest. Shine a flashlight into the interior of the notebook to find the coin-cell CMOS battery. The battery is typically located to the right of the touchpad.
- 8
  
  Push down on the release tab and lift the coil-cell battery out of its slot. Wait 20 minutes before returning the battery to its slot.
- 9
  
  Reassemble the Gateway laptop by following the preceding instructions in reverse. Turn on the computer, then press the setup key, as indicated on the boot screen, to access setup. Most Gateway models use "F2" or "Del" to boot into the BIOS.
- 10
  
  Configure the date and time using the number keys, directional pad, and plus and minus keys. Press "F10" to save your changes and quit the BIOS.

Tips & Warnings

If you can't find the CMOS battery, or if the lock code still appears after you power on the PC, contact Gateway for further assistance.
Taking apart the Gateway laptop may void your warranty. Contact Gateway before performing these steps.