What should I look out for when purchasing a used Elitebook 840 G5?

[leotraves]

I'm looking at purchasing a used Elitebook 840 G5 from someone off FB Marketplace. Now before I purchase is there anything I need to check in regards to being able to have full access to the computer? I had been using a Macbook Pro for the last 10 years and when I got rid of it, all I did was turn off Find My and essentially untether it from my AppleID.

I have come across some posts from various forums that mention having access to the BIOS password. Is that completely necessary?

My main concern is when I get the laptop, being able to reinstall a fresh install of Windows 10 and obviously having full access to all the features of the laptop.

Thanks in advance for any help provided!

[IT_WinSec]

Hello,

If you receive the laptop and if you pay after that, it would be nice to have it hardware tested using HP's built in hardware diagnostics (F2) >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14GKIpGPNRM

It is important to have the BIOS unlocked so that you have access to all settings and features. BIOS password, start-up power-on password, DriveLock password - all of these should be disabled/removed from previous owner. No idea how you can check if you purchase online

HP cannot help if the BIOS is locked with a password >> https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06368824

If I understand correctly, by "FB Marketplace" you mean the Facebook Marketplace. Personally, I would consider buying any electronic device from any online market a risky activity, especially if the real seller is not a well identified reputable company. If you would buy from a person, the risks are even bigger - no way for you to claim potential defects. Note that Elitebook devices (new ones) are usually more expensive one, higher power ones and are typically used by various business users, not by consumers/end users. Therefore, this device was most probably owned by a company in the past.

[leotraves]

The seller is actually close to me so I'm planning to pick it up in person and hopefully be able to run some tests.

[IT_WinSec]

Well, that changes everything.

So, you should  go to BIOS (F10) and try to access it >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdFCKLlPM3o

Go to "Security" tab and reset everything to default settings. Save changes and restart.

Ensure no password active in "Security" tab

Go to "Main" tab and apply factory default settings. Save changes and restart.

Go to F2 option for HW diagnostics

If you can start an OS, check if it can connect to network, play a video from YouTube, for example (very basic tests for network connectivity, audio, video)...

Open the computer - remove the bottom cover

Check for any obvious issues with battery or some other component

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdsuaQxZD34

Reference >> https://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c06189562.pdf

[leotraves]

Just curious. What are the consequences of not having access to the BIOS? Can I still upgrade RAM or SSD? Do I really need access to it if I can use windows with no issues?

[IT_WinSec]

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@leotraves wrote:

Just curious. What are the consequences of not having access to the BIOS? Can I still upgrade RAM or SSD? Do I really need access to it if I can use windows with no issues?

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You can still install RAM and SSD but they might not function if disabled in BIOS, for example.
You cannot update BIOS if you do not know the password, therefore you cannot receive latest improvements or fixes.

Also, many features of the computer are controlled exactly through it. Something might be disabled and by not having access you cannot re-enable it back. You loose access to certain security features by not having access

Depending on BIOS settings, you may not be able to access certain ports or devices, you might be limited with regards to OS installation,

.... etc ... Lots of unwanted consequences... I would not use a PC without access to the brain of the PC (a.k.a. its BIOS).