HP Drive Lock password forgotten or unknown - HP Elitebook

[IT_WinSec]

Symptoms

•  The computer is of business class device (HP Commerical device) like HP Elitebook
• User has activated DriveLock password on the storage drive (HDD or SSD)
• Due to the unknown/forgotten password, the PC cannot be started or the access to data of the drive is restriced

Solution

HP Drive Lock is a proven, time-tested security feature in HP Elitebooks which provides protection against unauthorized data access. This ensures the integrity of the data. DriveLock has been designed to meet the needs of the customers who cannot afford for their sensitive data to fall into the wrong hands.

A drive protected by a DriveLock stays protected while connected to the computer and even if the drive is removed from one system and inserted into another.

• Power on - unlock - usage:   At power on, the system prompts the user for the DriveLock password.
• If the correct password is entered, the drive will temporary be unlocked and the data can be accessed, operating system can start
• If an incorrect password is entered, the information on the hard drive will remain inaccessible. The DriveLock password is stored inside the hard drive itself and cannot be read; it can only be authenticated against. Therefore, an unauthorized user cannot obtain the DriveLock password  from the hard drive itself
  
  
•  Unless the correct password is entered, this drive cannot be used at all no matter the computer and the configuration. The only way to "fix" this is by entering the correct password.
• HP or the HP Community cannot help for bypassing or removing the password. If the user cannot recall the password, the drive [HDD/SSD] will need to be replaced physically with a new one.
  Should you end up replacing a locked drive, you can get one online or from a local PC retail store, or from HP parts store http://partsurfer.hp.com/

Further information about HP Drive Lock can be found here:

>> https://support.hp.com/ca-en/document/c01674996

Further information about HP security features for business class devices can be found here:

>> http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03453264.pdf

We would like to encourage you to post a new topic in the community so our member will be able to help you as well, here is the link to post.

[IT_WinSec]

Clarification - DriveLock password is not the same as setting up a BIOS password

[Anush424]

If you've forgotten or don’t know the HP Drive Lock password on your Elitebook, it can be a tricky situation since it’s a security feature designed to protect your data. I recommend reaching out to HP support, as they may provide options for resetting or unlocking it, depending on the model and your proof of ownership. Some users have also suggested checking the BIOS settings, but be careful with any changes. Hope this helps, and good luck!