1

I have an HP Envy Touchsmart m7 Notebook PC on which I replaced the original hard drive with a 256 GB Solid State drive. On that I installed ubuntu in November 2014 and encrypted it. I haven't used the computer since that time. Now, when I start the computer, I can no longer remember the passphrase.

I do NOT care about losing the data... I just want to use the laptop.

What are my options?

Is there a command that will reset the computer? Do I have to wipe the hard drive and reinstall Ubuntu? If so, what's the easiest way to do so?

I'm not a "techie" so please speak muggle. :)

Donny
  • 11
  • 2
    Unfortunately, I think, the data is lost irreversibly, but you can reset root password, here's how you could do it: https://askubuntu.com/questions/24006/how-do-i-reset-a-lost-administrative-password meaning that after restoring root, you would have to replace the filesystem. But, probably, it would be easier to just boot from LiveUSB and install afresh. – wvxvw Nov 21 '17 at 15:56
  • 1
    Just reinstall it on the existing one. Choose the option to wipe, get the system to boot from usb via the BIOS settings for boot order – George Udosen Nov 21 '17 at 16:08

1 Answers1

2

You have to re-install as the data is unrecoverable. Do the following:

  1. Create a bootable USB

  2. Set the boot order from the BIOS to boot from that USB:

    • using [repeatedly hitting them] your ESC or F10 keys (depending on your system type) at reboot to get to BIOS settings. Go to advanced tab and alter the boot order to make the USB boot first.

  3. Plug in the USB and follow the normal install instructions and select the option to erase and install Ubuntu

George Udosen
  • 36,677
  • 1
    Thank you, all who responded. I am now typing to you from the computer in question. Obviously, things worked out well. :) – Donny Nov 22 '17 at 17:40