Kensington long slot does not work

[don564]

I have tried 3 different Kensington locks in the K-slot of my laptop.  2 of these locks work on previous laptops but none work on this laptop.  I know there is a metal slot in behind the plastic casing.  It seems like the metal is too far inside the the lock cannot reach in far enough.  Is this normal for HP's?  Do they need some kind of special lock?  What can I use to lock up my laptop?  I have to travel soon and will be taking it with me.  Thanks.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@don564 Welcome to HP Forums Community!

Here's all you need to know about the Kensington lock in HP devices:

How do I use a Kensington lock?

To secure the computer, in a public environment, such as a café, airport, or library, wrap one end of the security cable around a heavy, immobile object. Insert the lock into the Kensington slot on the computer and secure the lock with its key or its combination.

What types of locks are there?

Kensington provides different lines of locks for different needs. Where a student, while working in a library, might need one level of security, a person who travels frequently or an IT manager responsible for hundreds of pieces of equipment might need more security. In general, there are two basic lock types: combination padlocks and keyed locks. With a combination lock, you will need to remember a sequence of numbers to unlock the security device. With a key lock, you will need to keep track of a set of keys that belong to the security device.

How secure are Kensington locks?

Kensington type locks are the standard for security in the world of notebooks. Their cables are difficult to cut, and prying the lockout of the case will leave obvious signs of damage to the notebook that would make it difficult for any thief to resell the computer to any reputable business or individual.

No security system is ever perfect. Never disclose the combination of your lock to people that you do not trust. Never give the keys to someone that you do not trust. Never leave a notebook unattended for long periods of time in a public place, even if you have secured it with a Kensington lock.

I hope that answers your query,  

If it did, simply select "Accept as solution", to help the community grow, 

And if you wish to thank us for our efforts, click on the thumbs up for kudos.

Have a great day ahead.

[don564]

I did not need a copy and paste on how to use a kensington lock.  I will quote my first sentense seeing as you did not read it.

     "I have tried 3 different Kensington locks in the K-slot of my laptop.  2 of these locks work on previous laptops but none work on this laptop. "

I was hoping this was clear.  I have 3 locks.  2 I HAVE USED on other laptops.  The problem is they are not working on this, my first HP laptop.  The question is, is there a special lock needed for HP or is my laptop K-slot defective?

[Riddle_Decipher]

@don564 I know how it may look, however, I had gone through the details of your post and the reason I posted the details of that link is to make things easier for you to read through, that said, the locks are of a standard design and should work fine, if they aren't, you may have a hardware issue and you could talk to HP about getting the device repaired (For free if its under warranty).

I suggest you talk to HP support and discuss your options:

follow the below steps to get started:

1) Click on this link - www.hp.com/contacthp/

2) Click on "Continue as guest".

3) Enter the serial of your device.

4) Select the country from the drop-down.

5) Click on "Show Options".

Fill the web-form, to populate a case number and phone number for yourself!

Also, if you are having trouble navigating through the above options, it's most likely because the device is out of warranty, is yes? please send me a private message with the region you are contacting us from, 

here's how private messages work: Click here for details.

[Huffer]

There is more than one kind of Kensington lock slot. There is the standard legacy and there is a Kensington Nano slot. See this post from about a year ago discussing the difference:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Lock-Slot-Compatibilty/td-p/67...

[don564]

---

@Huffer wrote:

There is more than one kind of Kensington lock slot. There is the standard legacy and there is a Kensington Nano slot. See this post from about a year ago discussing the difference:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Lock-Slot-Compatibilty/td-p/67...

---

Oh Huffer.  You so understand my problem.  Thank you for your link.  After reading 2 whole pages I have learned 2 things

1- Regardless of who the HP agent is that is trying to help, they do not seem to have the proper knowledge and instead of properly helping, it appears that they are towing the company line and posting only what HP wants you to know and not what you really need to know.

2 - That I need to lokk for and try a Kensington nanosaver.  My laptop does not have any symbol beside the slot.  As said in the other conversation, HP dropped the ball on this one.

I am disappointed with HP.  This is my first HP laptop. I've gone through 3 Toshiba Satellites.  I only regret cheaping out to save $150.00 by buying HP this time.  You truly get what you pay for.  

Thank you Huffer.  

Wish there was a thumbs down vote for HP 

[Huffer]

You might consider accepting as solution so others with questions about Kensington locks can find this. The title of your post coupled with an accepted solution will float this to the top of search engine requests for Kensington lock issues. 

I assume your HP laptop generally works pretty well. I think you are being a little hard on the HP Agent frankly but just glad I could help. Post back any time with questions. 

[don564]

The suggestion of the Kensington nano does not work for my laptop

Ordered from Amazon, pictures show it in locked and unlocked positions and video shows it sliding in and out while in locked position.

in locked positionlockedunlocked

[Huffer]

Don't you turn the lock 90 degrees the engage the two halves of the lock? Been a while since I have used a K lock. Do you still have the standard locks?

[don564]

Carefully look at the 2 pictures.  Locked and unlocked.  Then you'll see that the video shows it sliding in and out while in the locked position.  Slot is too wide for this lock.  

regular locks push in but cannot turn 90 deg to engage the lock.  This is why I think my laptops slot is defective but I'm 2 months out of warranty but haven't travelled yet.  Going to soon so now I'm experiencing this problem.  Wish I had known before.  Looks like I'm screwed.