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    HP ProtectTools Security Manager - password?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by fedders, Aug 24, 2009.

  1. fedders

    fedders Newbie

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    Purchased a used HP Compaq 8510W computer via a reputable seller on ebay. It has Vista Business 32bit installed (seems like fresh install).

    I registered the SN with HP to make sure it is not a stolen laptop. Nothing was flagged there. Also, it is old enough (and the economy sucks enough), that everything seems legit.

    I would like to install Windows 7 RC1, but realized that the CD boot option has been disabled in bios and the bios is protected with a password. I am new to HP, but also tried looking in the HP ProtectTools Security Manager software and it keeps prompting me for a password.

    As I can't boot from an external drive (like CD), I can't overwrite the bios (to get rid of the password). I tried removing the CMOS battery to no avail.

    Is there a backdoor password that can be used to get in? Any other work-arounds? There is no data on the laptop, so I have no need of saving anything. A clean, fresh reset to everything would be fine with me.

    Any advice that can be shared?

    Best,

    Carl Fedders
     
    fedders, Aug 24, 2009
    #1
  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    Please contact HP, they might be able to assist you.

    Discussion of bypassing security measures is forbidden on NBR.
     
    namaiki, Aug 24, 2009
    #2