XP asks for password before bootup

[Guest]

I have a gateway PC that I suspect took a hit from a power outage during a storm. The PC will not boot at all. As soon as I turn it on, it gives a message that says: Enter Password

Has anyone seen this?

 

[peter]

It sounds like a BIOS password.
Shut down..........unplug the unit
remove the CMOS battery for aprox 1 min........this should reset the BIOS to
default
reinsert CMOS battery............plug the unit back in
turn on and enter the BIOS to reset all settings to what they were....hope
you can remember!!
safe and exit...........restart
peter

I have a gateway PC that I suspect took a hit from a power outage during a

storm. The PC will not boot at all. As soon as I turn it on, it gives a
message that says: Enter Password.