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    I have a used HP Elitebook 840 with bitlocker.  Unfortunately, I don't have the recovery key.  The PC is currently a windows 7 pc and I would like to upgrade it to Windows 10.  Can I simply remove the hard drive and replace it with a new one and then install windows 10 from a USB?  Is there anything else I need to consider?
    Sunday, March 31, 2019 5:13 PM

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    Hi Steph461.

    This question should have been asked in a Windows 10 Forum, which is more appropriate for this kind of topics.
    In order to upgrade to Windows 10 you have to be sure that your PC supports that Windows version, therefore there must be Windows 10 compliant drivers: the HP Support site, as well as the HP Support Assistant, can help you in finding all the necessary software.
    Remember that you need to have a valid Windows 10 license to install and activate it: there is no way to perform a free upgrade to Windows 10 anymore.

    Bye.

    Luigi Bruno
    MCP, MOS, MTA, MCTS, MCSA, MCSE

    Sunday, March 31, 2019 6:53 PM
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    Hello Luigi - Thank you for your reply.  I understand that I need to purchase a new copy of Windows - no problem there.  I'm more concerned with the bitlocker situation I am experiencing.  Since I don't have the bitlocker recovery key the PC is useless.  I can't even change the bios to boot from a USB to use DBAN to erase the drive.  I think my only option is to replace the hard drive.  My question is - can I replace the hard drive and will that eliminate the bitlocker issue or are there issues with TPM that will prevent me from installing a new copy of Windows 10.
    Sunday, March 31, 2019 10:25 PM
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    If the system is bootable, any admin can retrieve the recovery key like this:

    manage-bde -protectors -get c:

    (executed on an elevated command prompt)

    Monday, April 1, 2019 7:55 AM
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    I was able to get to a command prompt - but since I don't have admin access, I tried the above command and wasn't able to get the recovery key.  That's why I'm thinking I need to replace the drive.
    Monday, April 1, 2019 12:09 PM
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    So no one you know has administrative access to that windows installation?
    Monday, April 1, 2019 12:12 PM