How to Remove a BIOS Password From a Linux Eee PC

A BIOS password protects a machine by locking the initial boot process. On an ASUS EEE PC, you can tell that a BIOS password is set because your computer's Caps, Num, and Scroll Lock buttons will flash. Depending on the make and model of your machine, there are a number of ways to reset the BIOS password. While the standard technique would be to access the motherboard itself and remove the CMOS battery, this may not be an option for those unwilling to fully disassemble their EEE PC.

Battery Removal (Works With Some EEE PC 900 Models)

Shut down your EEE PC and remove the power adapter. Flip over your EEE PC and remove the battery.

Flip the machine over and open the lid. Press and hold down the power button for 25 seconds.

Replace the battery and plug in the power adapter. Turn your EEE PC on and press "F2" during the initial boot.

Press "Enter" when the machine asks for a password. Enter the BIOS and remove the password by pressing "Enter" when it asks you for the new password.

CLRTC Short (Works With Some EEE PC 700 Models)

Power off your ASUS EEE PC and remove the power adapter. Remove the cover of the expansion bay, on the underside of the machine, with a screwdriver.

Remove the RAM and any extra SD cards from the expansion bay and examine the exposed circuit board for the letters "CLRTC" and two copper triangles adjacent to the lettering. This is the circuit you need to short to reset the CMOS.

Take a paper clip and unfold it so that it creates a "U" shape. Put one end on each of the triangles to short and reset the CMOS.

Replace the RAM and any SD cards you removed. Make sure that the RAM is securely replaced, otherwise your computer will not boot properly. Replace the expansion bay door.

Replace the power adapter and press the power button to boot the machine. Press "F2" to restore the default BIOS settings when prompted.

BIOS Backdoor Password (Works On Any Model)

Plug in your power adapter and boot your computer as usual.

Enter one of the following possible AMI backdoor passwords: A.M.I., AAAMMMIII, AMI?SW, AMI_SW, BIOS, CONDO, HEWITT RAND, LKWPETER, MI, and PASSWORD.

Remove the BIOS password, if you are able to gain access to the BIOS, by pressing "Enter" when prompted for a new password.