For IT administrators, this is a logistical headache. For second-hand buyers, it is a bricked device. For a business, it means downtime and expensive motherboard replacements.
This is the safest method if you can see the code on your screen. Hp.probook.elitebook.bios.password.reset.utility.hpbr
The HPBR utility works by using a special USB key to reset the BIOS password. The utility creates a special file on the USB key that contains the reset information. When the USB key is inserted into the device and the device is powered on, the BIOS reads the file and resets the password. For IT administrators, this is a logistical headache