[Apologies if you see this twice ... I *think* the first copy just got
eaten]

I've just run across the nvram clearing procedure in the VAXstation 3100
Model 76 Maintenance Guide (EK-VS31M-MG.002).

1, Power off

2. Remove the socketed Dallas chip. It is located behind and between the 
    two banks of memory sockets. It has a white picture of an alarm on it.
    Note the orientation carefully!

3. Place the chip on the PSU conductive surface for one to three seconds.
    This briefly shorts the internal battery and resets the password state
    to disabled.

    THE MANUAL HAS A BIG BOLD WARNING: IF YOU SHORT THE CHIP
    INTERNAL BATTERY FOR LONGER THAN THREE SECONDS MAY CAUSE
    PREMATURE BATTERY FAILURE.

4. Put the chip back in its socket, observing correct orientation.

5. Power up and breath a big sigh of relief when it all works.


Antonio


Antonio Carlini
Riverstone Networks