[Full-disclosure] BIOS Flash erases all prior passwords on Acer Aspire 5102WLMi

[richard cassidy]

Flashing the bios on Acer Aspire 5102WLMi will erase all passwords
previously set.  This is obviously a bug!  All passwords should not be
wiped out with a bios flash (or at least they weren't on a Dell).  Or,
if they are, it should be stated up front so the passwords can be set
again once the bios is "updated'".

https://www.synapsenow.com/synapse/data/7117/documents/AS31-51-5110_Flash_v200.zip

If you forget the bios password, they require the computer to be
mailed to them; then they charge $100USD (citing labor & security).
The work around they don't tell you about is to download the bios
flasher and update your bios.

I tried contacting Acer about this bug and could not reach (was not
transfered) the proper people; I've had teeth pulled that went better
than trying to inform Acer.