How can I gain access to an inherited laptop with no logon information?

[Retired_1234]

I recently inherited a laptop.   I do't know the user name or password and there is no way to access the logon information.   Is there a way for me to logon to the machine?  My main concern is being able to logon.  I would like to access the information on the computer if possible but it isn't an major issue if I can't. 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The forum rules of participation prohibit us from providing any assistance to circumvent passwords and whatnot.

It probably would be very hard to do anyway.

What I suggest you do is to get another Windows PC and make a bootable USB recovery drive that will reinstall W10, the drivers and the software that originally came with the notebook. 

All data on the drive will be lost, but you should have a perfectly working notebook you can set up for your needs.

Here is an info link for how to use the HP cloud recovery tool to create the bootable USB recovery media.

You will need a 32 GB USB flash drive for this purpose.

HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool (Windows 10) | HP® Customer Support