Help! lost password

we returned from vacation and me and my wife can't remember the
password, isn't there a way clear the password by removing or
shorting the cmos battery
we have "2001 gateway solo laptop"
The repair shop wants to charge a 100.00.
thanks!

I'm not familiar with Gateway products, but I'm thinking you could download a Bios update, and "Flash" the bios. That would probably wipe out the password.

I would start here. Select your model etc. You should be able to find BIOS updates here.
http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/ddastep.asp
Make sure you read all directions thoroughly!

is this a windows/other operating system password or a bios passward, if it is a bios password the flash will not remove it, besides you would have to put in the password to get to the point where the flash occurs. there should be a small cover for the cmos battery, just unplug the power, remove the laptop battery, if the cmos has a jumper use it, if not remove the battery and leave it out about a hour. you need to be very carefully about static discaharge if you zap the battery area it will kill the bios chip. i usually have a hand on the laptop battery connectors touching the contacts while removing / installing the battery with the other, most everything is plastic, thats the best ground on there.

Many motherboards feature a set of jumpers or dipswitches that will clear the CMOS and wipe all of the custom settings including BIOS passwords. The locations of these jumpers / dipswitches will vary depending on the motherboard manufacturer and ideally you should always refer to the motherboard or computer manufacturers documentation. If the documentation is unavailable, the jumpers/dipswitches can sometimes be found along the edge of the motherboard, next to the CMOS battery, or near the processor. Some manufacturers may label the jumper / dipswitch CLEAR - CLEAR CMOS - CLR - CLRPWD - PASSWD - PASSWORD - PWD. On laptop computers, the dipswitches are usually found under the keyboard or within a compartment at the bottom of the laptop.
Please remember to unplug your PC and use a grounding strip before reaching into your PC and touching the motherboard. Once you locate and rest the jumper switches, turn the computer on and check if the password has been cleared. If it has, turn the computer off and return the jumpers or dipswitches to its original position.

thanks, already took care of problem, had to erase harddrive, it was the harddrive password on a gateway solo.