Missing BIOS password

[Deish]

A friend of mine got a HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1, a pretty old laptop which was previously used at the local school. The issue is that it has a BIOS password set, and my friend has no idea what that password is. I tried going through the support pages but I find no easy way to get in touch with HP to get the bios password removed. Can anyone help?

[Samrit26]

Hello,

I need to be very clear and careful here, because BIOS passwords are intentionally hard to remove, and there is no “trick” or shortcut that HP will support.

What you’re seeing is normal behavior for an HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1, especially one that previously belonged to a school.

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First: what is and is NOT possible

❌ What cannot be done

• There is no master password

• Removing the CMOS battery does not work

• Jumpers do not exist on this model

• HP will not give a password by email or chat

• There is no public unlock code generator

• BIOS flashing will not bypass the password

Any site claiming otherwise is either outdated or unsafe.

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What the BIOS password actually is on this model

On EliteBook business laptops:

• The BIOS password is stored in NVRAM

• It is protected by HP Sure Start–era security

• Only HP-authorized tools can clear it

Because this machine was used by a school, it was almost certainly:

• Asset-managed

• Locked intentionally

• Never decommissioned properly

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The ONLY supported way to remove the BIOS password

HP uses a file-based unlock method

For the EliteBook Folio 1040 G1, HP support can generate a custom unlock file (commonly called an SMC.bin file).

But only if ownership is proven.

Required steps (this is the real process)

1. Contact HP Business Support (not consumer support)

2. Provide:

   • Serial number

   • Product number

   • Proof of ownership (invoice, school decommission letter, asset release)

3. HP generates a one-time unlock file

4. File is applied via USB

5. BIOS password is cleared

This is the only legitimate method.

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Why HP support is hard to reach for this

HP will not expose this process publicly because:

• BIOS security is a theft-prevention feature

• Schools and companies rely on it

• Bypassing it without proof would be a security violation

That’s why you won’t find a simple contact link.

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Reality check for your friend (important)

If your friend:

• Bought it second-hand

• Has no proof it was released by the school

• Cannot contact the original owner

Then HP will refuse to unlock it.

In that case, the laptop is effectively:

• Locked at firmware level

• Only usable with the password

• Or with a replacement system board

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Practical options if HP refuses

1. Return the laptop (best option)

2. Use it only with existing BIOS settings (if usable)

3. Replace the motherboard (often costs more than the laptop)

There is no safe or supported alternative.

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Very important warning

Do NOT attempt:

• Random unlock tools

• EEPROM flashing

• Shorting components

On this model, that usually results in:

• Permanent brick

• Sure Start recovery loop

• Completely dead board

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What you should do next

If your friend wants to proceed properly:

1. Gather any paperwork from the school

2. Contact HP Business Support

3. Be prepared for refusal if ownership cannot be proven