HP Chromebook. Haven't used for a few years. Don't have old password and can't log on.

[DAVE_AZ]

HP Chromebook. Haven't used for a few years. Don't have old password and can't log on. What does it take to get back on? Out of warranty.

[Max3Aj]

@DAVE_AZ, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

If you haven’t used your HP Chromebook 14-db0020nr in a few years and no longer remember the old password, don’t worry — you can reset the device and start fresh.

Solution: Powerwash (Factory Reset) the Chromebook

Since the old Google account password is unavailable, the best option is to Powerwash the Chromebook. This will erase all local data and let you set it up with a new Google account.

Steps to Powerwash:

1. Turn on the Chromebook.
2. At the login screen, press:
   Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R
3. Click Restart in the dialog box that appears.
4. After restart, select Powerwash and click Continue.
5. The Chromebook will reset and reboot.
6. Follow the on-screen steps to set it up with a new or existing Google account.

Important: If the Chromebook was previously managed by a school or business, it may be enterprise enrolled. In that case, you’ll need to contact the organization that originally enrolled the device.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[DAVE_AZ]

At the login screen, press: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R Click Restart in the dialog box that appears.

Did the above as instructed but no "restart" option appeared.  In fact, nothing appeared at all. 

????????? Please help me. Thanks.

[Max3Aj]

@DAVE_AZ, Thanks for the update! If pressing Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R at the login screen didn’t bring up the Powerwash option, let’s try a few alternative steps to get your Chromebook reset:

Option 1: Try the Shortcut Again Carefully

Make sure you're doing this at the login screen (where it asks for your Google account password), not after logging in.

1. Turn on the Chromebook.
2. At the login screen (don’t log in), press and hold: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R
3. Hold the keys for a few seconds — sometimes it takes a moment.
4. If the dialog still doesn’t appear, try restarting the Chromebook and trying again.

Option 2: Use Recovery Mode to Reinstall Chrome OS

If Powerwash doesn’t work, you can reinstall Chrome OS using a USB drive. This will completely reset the device.

What You’ll Need:

• A second computer with Chrome browser
• A USB drive (8 GB or more)

Steps:

On the second computer, install the Chromebook Recovery Utility from the Chrome Web Store  

Open the utility and follow the prompts. When asked for your Chromebook model, enter:
HP Chromebook 14-db0020nr

Insert the USB drive and create the recovery media.

On your Chromebook:

• Turn it off.
• Press and hold Esc + Refresh, then press the Power button.
• Release all keys when you see a recovery screen.

Insert the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Chrome OS.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support