-1

I've been using ubuntu on my HP Elitebook G3 3rd generation for a number of years now. Recently, I downloaded multipass, and, on launch it, it tells me that KVM support is now enabled on my machine. A search tells me to go into the BIOS and turn in on. But, the BIOS wants a password. I do not know the BIOS password? On Ubuntu, is there a way to find it out/change it?

Thanks in advance, ValleyDragon

(I’m sorry. This question is not specifically about Ubuntu, but stack overflow won’t let me delete it and re-ask it on a more appropriate stack exchange site.)

ValleyDragon888
  • 1
  • 1
    Your BIOS or firmware password is a device password, and your installed OS is not involved. ie. Ubuntu cannot allow you to enter, though some USB live media has option to cause BIOS/firmware to start, but you'll still be asked for a password. Your question is device specific & not a Ubuntu question. FYI: I don't fully understand your issue; you don't mention Ubuntu product/release, but appear to only want to enter your firmware settings (ie. BIOS) which is a machine function, not an OS feature. – guiverc Sep 09 '23 at 11:57
  • 2
    Ubuntu password and BIOS password are completely two different things. If you didn't set the BIOS password yourself, you should ask the people who provided you this computer. – FedKad Sep 09 '23 at 12:40
  • Unfortunately, I no longer have contact with the people who provided me this computer. Is there a way to reset the BIOS password? – ValleyDragon888 Sep 09 '23 at 13:04
  • 2
    To reset the BIOS/firmware password, you'll need to deal with the manufacturer of the device for details. Some older systems could be done via simply removing battery (for a period of time), or shorting a pin on the motherboard (again for a period of time); but most require returning to manufacturer/repairer for chip swap but that's economically un-viable. The intended way is to enter the password; and within firmware settings you select BIOS/firmware option to reset password which will return it to null/deactivated (ie. password is required first) – guiverc Sep 09 '23 at 13:39
  • Does this answer your question? No admin access to BIOS to change boot priority – karel Sep 09 '23 at 23:07
  • If I can’t access this question here which stack exchange site CAN I use?? I don’t see one that would accept this question! – ValleyDragon888 Sep 11 '23 at 14:59

1 Answers1

2

As the others said in the comments, the BIOS password is completely different thing than your OS password.

HP claims:

A forgotten BIOS password cannot be reset by HP. HP is committed to the security and privacy of our customers. To resolve a forgotten BIOS password issue, a system board replacement is required, and additional customer costs apply.

On the other hand, there are tools that can generate a master password for your BIOS. So you can try using https://bios-pw.org/ or similar tool.

To better understand how such tools work, you can read BIOS Password Backdoors in Laptops.

sotirov
  • 3,169