Disabling FE Lock on Canon 400D ??

Is there are way to disable the FE Lock on the Canon 400D when the built in flash is up or when the external Canon flash is on? For shooting people with bright backgrounds like sunset, Wouldn't it be easier if we could set it on A mode while on partial metering, half press the shutter at the bright spot then press the <*> button to get the exposure at the bright spot, release the shutter while still pressing the <*> button, then focus on the people subject and taking the shot with flash?

I'm sure the XTI works the same way, but on the 20D, you can set it in Av, press the "*" button pointing at the sky, recompose, focus and shoot.

Or you could set it in M-mode, expose for the sky, recompose, focus and shoot.

if the external flash is on and you press the "*" button, the FE lock is set and the AE lock does not work. yes, i guess the only way to shoot the way i described with the flash on is MANUAL mode.

shutterfiend wrote in post #4890394
I'm sure the XTI works the same way, but on the 20D, you can set it in Av, press the "*" button pointing at the sky, recompose, focus and shoot.

Or you could set it in M-mode, expose for the sky, recompose, focus and shoot.