The Sony Vaio PCG-FX215 is a 15-inch notebook computer from 2001 with an AMD Duron processor. Like many PCs, the PCG-FX215 gives users the ability to set a password in the system firmware. After a password is set, it must be typed each time the PCG-FX215 is turned on in order for it to boot. If you have had the misfortune of misplacing the BIOS password for this computer, however, you can resolve the issue. This process requires the temporary removal of a small lithium battery inside the computer.
Instructions
1. Shut down the Vaio PCG-FX215 and remove the battery pack and all external hardware. Position the computer in front of you with the screen open.
2. Remove the Phillips screw from the left side of the ribbed plastic strip covering the top part of the Vaio PCG-FX215 keyboard. Lift the strip off of the computer. Below the strip, a single Phillips screw secures the top of the keyboard to the body of the computer.
3. Remove the screw securing the keyboard. Slide the keyboard forward until the four plastic claws on the bottom come out from under the palm rest and touch pad. Lift the keyboard cable up to disconnect it from the motherboard and set the keyboard aside.
4. Locate the circular coin-cell battery in the back-right corner of the Vaio PCG-FX215 keyboard compartment. Grasping the battery between your finger and thumb, gently lift the battery out of its holder.
5. Return the keyboard to its compartment and reattach the cable.
6. Connect the power cable to the Vaio PCG-FX215 and turn the computer on. With the coin-cell battery disconnected, the computer will boot fully into Windows without requesting a password. Allow the computer to finish booting, then shut it down through Windows.
7. Disconnect the power cable and take the keyboard back out of its compartment.
8. Replace the battery and keyboard and screw the top of the keyboard down.
9. Replace the ribbed strip above the keyboard and screw it down.
Tags: Vaio PCG-FX215, coin-cell battery, keyboard compartment, keyboard screw, PCG-FX215 keyboard, Phillips screw, power cable