Eliminate Spare Key...permanently

xanScorp · ‎03-29-2015

Is there any way to get this is Spare Key permanently? I don't want this garbage and never did. Previously I had my laptop security how I. wanted; Preboot required fingerprint and password as did Windows. Now, for some reason, it won't do so for Preboot. It always prompts."Press F7 for spare key" after entering the password. Spare Key is unchecked in the HP Protect Tools as well as being hidden in the BIOS, but it still prompts for it instead is prompting for a fingerprint, as it's set to.
I'm about at the end of my patience with this crap that HP has decided to try and force I consumers.

Dragon-Fur · ‎03-29-2015

xanScorp

In so much as I am able to find, and assuming you still have access to the Client Security Software, you might be able to delete the SpareKey by using the command to do so.

Having said that, USER BEWARE: I don't use this software. This is your setup, your system, and the Client Security software program has been setup voluntarily. If it is not working properly now, fussing with it may make things worse. Know this.

See the following:

Client Security - Getting Started - 2013

Chapter 4, Page 14

Requires Administrative permissions

I suggest you read the information carefully before deciding to make any changes.

Furthermore, I suggest you do not make any changes to your computer without having your most critical data backed up to an off-disk location.

Remember this is a public community forum. You have no reason to abuse us.

Click the Kudos Thumbs-Up to say Thank You!

And...Click Accept as Solution when my Answer provides a Fix or Workaround!

I am pleased to provide assistance on behalf of HP. I do not work for HP.

Dragon-Fur

xanScorp · ‎03-30-2015

As I mentioned, it is/was unchecked, but was still persistent. It's selected to not be used the program as well as hidden in BIOS. For a brief period, I had it not prompting, but at that time, the system want prompting for both credentials, as required, but only one or the other. Still a security issue from my viewpoint.

Dragon-Fur · ‎03-30-2015

Rats.

Unfortunately, I don't have actual access to the program, only theoretical information on how the sofftware might behave under what are apparently ideal conditions.

Reference:

HP Probook 4525s Notebook PC

NOTE: No Driver support for Windows 8.1 at the Support site

I am assuming you have a version of Client Security software and a Validity Sensor Driver appropriate for Windows 8.1 64bit

===========================================

Off / On / Off

If the program is selected as "not enabled" and is still behaving as if it is enabled and activated, then perhaps a deliberate activation, that is, switching it "on" / enable of the software, reboot , and then trying to once again disable it. Switch ON, Shutdown / cold boot, Switch OFF feature.

Another thought, although I have no understanding how the software is embedded in the system: If you can reach this mechanism at the OS level, then you might be able to repair it.

I would suspect that the SpareKey is part of the Client Security program. Alternatively, it may be within the sphere of the HDAM program set.

1. If the program exists in Programs and Features , with a Repair function

Control Panel > set icon view > Programs and Features > find program > Right-Click >

select Repair

2. If the program exists in Programs and Features, but no Repair function

Reinstall the program (Client Security suite), that is, overload the same version of the program over the top of the existing version in an attempt to clear any database errors in the existing version.

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Edits -- 30Mar2015

3. Accepted Solution Suggested by Paul_Tikkanen to remove SpareKey:

See if you can get into the BIOS by tapping the F10 key at the HP splash screen, and restore the BIOS defaults and exit.