BIOS/CMOS admin password

[brublag]

In the process of installing windows 7 Professional I discovered that I could not get into the BIOS or setup because it was password protected. I’ve tried a number of things including installing HP ProtectTools Security stuff and it seems that all that has done is to create more login passwords. I can now get into setup but as a user but not as an administrator and so I cannot change password. There is also another screen that shows up where I must enter a password and I’m not sure if that’s happening because of the HP Protect Tools that I installed and then removed or because of something in the BIOS. I’ve uninstalled HP Protect Tools and reinstall windows 7 and I still see both password screens. I attempted to update the BIOS using a file downloaded from the HP support website but cannot because I don’t know the admin password for access the BIOS.

[REO51ST · Accepted solution]

@brublag

Contact HP and they should be able to send you a customized SMC.bin file which you can use at boot to reset the password.

 http://welcome.hp.com/country/w1/en/contact_us.html

When talking to the HP rep ask them to escalate your service request.

Or download these files.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zu4kdgxm052l87d/AAAMi-kfX4AVH8oTCbsOM4X9a?dl=0

Insert clean USB flash drive.

Then run USB Image tool.

Choose the flash drive then click on RESTORE.

After restore remove flash drive.

Insert flash drive into locked laptop and boot. ”If HDD is installed remove before booting.”

At C:\OUTPUT   type CD..  “Then hit enter”

Type HPBR   “Then hit enter”

First thing is to save your settings.

Select #3 re-program.

Press “S” to save system information.

Type HPBR and hit enter.

Select   “FIRST RUN”

Then select model.

After reboot repeat same as above but this time SELECT “SECOND RUN”

Some instructions here. “If you cannot boot from USB there are instructions to make a bootable HDD.”

http://mazzifsoftware.blogspot.com/2014/01/hp-bios​​-unlock-for-dos.html

More here.

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/49497-HP-​​Probook-Elitebook-BIOS-Password-Reset-Utility

REO

I must inform you that these services are not endorsed by HP, and that HP is not responsible for any damage that may arise to your system by using these services. Please be aware that you do this at your own risk.

[brublag]

This laptop is more than likely too old to be supported by HP any more so I tried the instructions that you included.  The instructions worked until choosing the model number - the problem is this laptop 6440b is not inlcuded so it did not work.  I really appreciate the reply.

Thanks,

Bruce

[brublag]

My HP ProBook 6440b was not listed so I tried the other ProBooks listed and number 8 (I don't remember which probook that is) worked.

Thanks,

[REO51ST]

@brublag

Good to here you worked it out.

#8 was for the 6455b.

I will make a note of that on my list.

REO