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- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Boot and Lockup
- Bios password persists after multiple flash attempts

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01-03-2019 05:52 PM - edited 01-03-2019 06:14 PM
I recently received a Z420 from my previous employer. During the offboarding process they released the bios password that was set by them in the system. I attempted to use this password to no avail. When I attempt to use the jumpers or the cmos battery clear, the date on the system menu changed to 1/1/2005 but the password is never removed.
I was told that there is a halt code that I can get from failing the password prompt multiple times but I do not see this code anywhere in the menus. I just wanted to enable Virtualization and this is a huge pain. Any suggestions would be great thank you.
I Reset the cmos battery by leaving it out for 30 minutes.
I Booted into every menu I possibly can to find halt code
System Info
HP Z420 Workstatis
32gb ECC DDR3 / 1600 MHz
SKU F1K01UT#ABA
Bios J61 v03.65
I've obfiscated some information listed here as I believe it's irrelevant. However, I do notice that the asset tag from my previous employer still stands.
I am going to look into a USB bios flash now.
-Update-
Unforunately, every method of bios flashing I have found requires a password.
01-05-2019 03:34 PM - edited 01-05-2019 03:35 PM
You seem to be on the right track but in addition to reseting the CMOS battery you may need to remove the jumper as well...see this link under "06 – Remove A Jumper"...see if this helps.
OR
You can remove the BIOS passwrod with the MS DOS technique: