F2 - Setup password / Aspire One

I'm trying to change the boot sequence to start with a windows xp cd to reformat the hdd. The laptop keeps going through a "rolling" boot, trys to perform a disk scan and will not open up to windows.
When I hit F2 to get to setup, it's looking for a password. I don't know the current password. Is there a default password from the factory?

 

no default password.

what model of aspire one do you have?

 

Aspire One Series
Model No. ZG5

 

Steps for Clearing BIOS Password Check
If users set BIOS Password (Supervisor Password and/or User Password) for a security reason, BIOS will ask
the password during systems POST or when systems enter to BIOS Setup menu. However, once it is
necessary to bypass the password check, users need to short the HW Gap to clear the password by the
following steps:
• Power Off a system, and remove HDD, AC and Battery from the machine.
• Open the back cover of the machine, and find out the HW Gap on M/B as picture.
• Use an electric conductivity tool to short the two points of the HW Gap.
• Plug in AC, keep the short condition on the HW Gap, and press Power Button to power on the
system till BIOS POST finish. Then remove the tool from the HW Gap.
• Restart system. Press F2 key to enter BIOS Setup menu.
• If there is no Password request, BIOS Password is cleared. Otherwise, please follow the steps and
try again.

 

Thanks for the info!
But I haven't been able to reset it.
The directions say to remove the HDD along with the batt. and AC. Is the HDD under the M/B?
Can I short it out with a screwdriver for example. I'm not sure what an electric conductivity tool is. Is is just something that will conduct electricity?

 

yeah, a flat-head screw driver should work just fine. its exactly what you think, something metal that will conduct electricity.