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So annoyed that BIOS is totally locked down on a used laptop.. impossible to install linux (hexbear.net)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

48 comments fedilink hide all child comments

My friend gave me their old laptop before they left town. I was going to install linux on it and use it for a server.

I have basically given up doing anything because the BIOS is locked with a Secure Boot supervisor password which I guess they forgot about being there.

I've sent a message asking if they happen to remember it and would feel comfortable sharing it if it is not one they use for anything else. But the odds of both those things being the case are slim and I don't feel good about trying to get someone to share any password. Especially since it was so kind to just give me the machine in the first place. It's not practical to physically get the device and the person together in the near future.

It's impossible (or past my skill level) to install linux on this thing without the freaking password. I did manage to install windows. Last time I did that it was win2k. It will boot OK but I can't use that to circumvent the lock. But Ubuntu and a couple other distros are no gos.

It is so fucked that computers can be rendered bricks like this. Obviously yet another way to design in obsolescence disguised as a security feature. Encryption is one thing; this is independent of any data.

Gaaaaaah I spent most of the weekend trying to install linux on this otherwise perfectly functional machine. I think it's toast though.

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago (2 children)

What laptop is it? You may be able to find a master password online that will let you in. A bunch of older laptops have them and they're very well documented.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Someone else insisted so here is all the details

model: Acer Aspire V3-575T
UEFI Version: 2.4
Board name: Usopp_SL
Board version: 1.18
BIOS manufacturer: Insyde Corp
BIOS version: 1.18
BIOS date: May 25, 2017
Acer product page
User manual

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

hmmm I don't find anything about that. For Secure Boot + UEFI?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It seems to be down at the moment, but I've used this website with success in the past: https://bios-pw.org/

Basically you incorrectly guess that password a few times, if it gives you a code you type it into the website.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Nah nothing like that happened