How do I get by the "Enter Administrator Password or Power On Password" screen?

[oddjobkins]

I've been given this machine by a friend to use at college.  The only problem is that he doesn't know his own password.  He says he never set one up.  How do I reset this?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Enter any BIOS password 3 times and the PC should generate a system disabled (Halt) code.

If it generates a numerical code enter it in the box at the link below and the site will generate an unlock passcode.

https://bios-pw.org/

Restart the PC, and enter the unlock code and you should be able to get into the PC.

Once you can get into the BIOS, go into the Security menu, select the enable/disable password setting.

Use the unlock code to get into the setting.

For no BIOS P/W hit the enter key in the new password and confirm password spaces.

Save the settings and restart the PC.

[oddjobkins]

Thank you very much.  Now it's telling me that the computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error.  Winows installation cannot proceed.  To install Windows, click "OK" to restart the computer, and then restart the installation.  This keeps coming up whenever I hit "OK".  Any suggestions?  Toss the computer?  Thanks.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

See if you can do a system recovery by tapping the ESC key and then select the F11 recovery option from the menu.

If that doesn't work, you will need to order recovery media from HP at the link below, if you don't want to toss it.

http://support.hp.com/us-en/mediaorder/HP-15-Notebook-PC-series/7137590/model/7450271/softwareitem/7...

[oddjobkins]

Again, thank you very much.  I am so glad you folks are here.  It was suggested by a friend that I give you guys a try.  I guess I owe him a drink or two. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.