ProBook 4330s BIOS - Password needed!

[Martn]

A few years ago I bought a laptop from my school (the ProBook 4330s) and since I've been rather happy with it...well... until I noticed a few days ago that I no longer have a license for Windows 7. No big deal since I can get a license for WIndows 10 Education through my college, but there is one problem which I came across when I tried to make the machine boot from a USB-drive; the BIOS is locked.

This has been a huge pain in the butt for me. Contacting the school tech-support isn't an option since I'm no longer a student there, and they likely wouldn't be able to help me anyways. The alternative would be HP's phone support, but that will have to be a last resort (I hate phone support).

Anyways, how can this be solved? 

[erico]

The best way to do this with a ProBook model is to have the BIOS chip replaced by a BIOS company or by HP. 

Unfortunately, ProBooks are by design made with more stringent security than consumer model notebooks.  The reasoning behind that is simple. Businesses must have data security.

There is a utility that might help you at the following URL. Using it is at your own risk.

https://forums.hak5.org/index.php?/topic/31526-hp-probookelitebook-bios-password-reset-utility/

The IT technicians at your school may have the BIOS password on a list. It was probably a generic one that they made up used. 

[Martn]

Thank you for the answer. I appreciate it.

I contacted the tech-support at my previous school, but they couldn't guarantee a solution. I don't know whether or not that means that they have the password.

I was told that a lot of the information stored about our computers is wiped when we graduate. Whether or not they also wiped the BIOS-password that was generated together with the admin/user-passwords is the big question which I'll hopefully get answered tomorrow.

If I can't get the BIOS unlocked the safe way, I'll try the utility you linked to. And if that doesn't work, I'll sadly have to scrap this computer.

[REO51ST]

Martn

Contact HP.

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

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.

Since your model is not listed select “SHOTGUN.”

After reboot repeat “SHOTGUN” a second time.

Let us know the result so I can update the list.

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 help here.

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/49497-HP-Probook-Elitebook-BIOS-Password-Reset-Utility?s=ad...

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.

[Martn]

For some reason the machine refuses to boot from any USB-devices. I spoke to the technicians at my college, and sadly these ProBooks are supposed to be stubborn like that.  Replacing the TMP-chip, asking HP for support or getting a hold of the actual password are the three alternatives unless I'd like to hire a team of professionals to get this done. Somehow I'm not surprised...

I won't be able to contact support before monday morning, so that's the next step.

[REO51ST]

Martn

There are instruction's to make a bootable HDD.

We have to use one every once in awhile.

REO