Web Development·12,109 discussions

HP Laptop still linked to old company after new ssd and re-install

Tags: Microsoft, Networking, Security

Former it tech that has owned a pc recycling business for 7 yrs. I have noticed more and more 8th gen+ intel and 2nd gen + ryzen latops that still are linked to the company they came from (after installing new ssd)

after reinstalling windows, the laptop asks for sign in credentials. What is causing this?
Is it linked to the windows key in the bios?
Linked to a one drive account?
serial number of the laptop??

Pulling hair out i dont have here. I have seen this on apple but not on pc. I just want to refurb and re-sell these machines thanks!

Topic

No good news.

In reply to HP Laptop still linked to old company after new ssd and re-install

You can try Linux on it since Linux doesn’t care about what is going on here.

Windows versions 10 and 11 are now coded to help abate laptop loss and theft. Sure you may be legit but these laptops have been locked to the old company and before you ask, no, the system is built to not be broken IF you run a current version of Windows.

So install Linux and move on or contact the company to have them remove these from their inventory.

There are now many REDDIT posts about this so I see no need to write much more.

I see you know about how Apple did this, so now it’s on Windows too.

Reply To: HP Laptop still linked to old company after new ssd and re-install

In reply to HP Laptop still linked to old company after new ssd and re-install

1. Back up data
Before you do any of the steps involved with physically replacing the drive, back up everything it contains that you wish to keep, including:

Programs
Documents
Photo and video files
Music files and playlists
Games and downloadable content (DLC)

You can do this by using the cloud to save hard drive storage via a backup service or by using an external data storage device. Take time to review what programs you want to keep, and assemble your original discs or data files for reinstallation on your new drive.
2. Create a recovery disc
To reinstall your Windows OS on your new computer, create a recovery disc that the computer can use to boot up the new, blank drive after it’s installed. You can create one by visiting the Windows website for your particular operating system version and downloading it to a CD-ROM or USB device.
Make sure you have enough free space on your storage disc or drive before starting, and that it is properly formatted according to Windows directions.

Regards,
James

[Author]

Replies