Factory reset, with no password.

[Tex1901]

We as a scout group have been gifted 5 elitebook 840's unfortunately the gifter hasn't wiped them how do we reset with no passwords at all.

Many thanks 

Shane

[Paul_Tikkanen]

If the passwords are BIOS passwords, you were gifted five paperweights.

If the passwords are Windows passwords, and you have Elitebook 840 G3's or newer, you can use the HP cloud recovery client to make a bootable USB recovery drive that will reinstall Windows, the drivers and the software that originally came with the notebooks.

Here's an info link for how to use the software.  Pay particular attention for how to reinstall the drivers.

HP Business PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Client in Windows 11 and Windows 10 | HP® Support

Here is a link to the cloud recovery client software. 

Cloud Recovery Client

This package provides the Cloud Recovery Client for supported models running a supported operating system. This Client Utility enables users to download the Recovery Kit from the cloud.

sp142993.exe

You will need to create the recovery drive on another Windows PC using the serial number from one of the notebooks.