I was trying to help a friend (a Mac person) install a software program (not from Microsoft store) on an HP Laptop. I was able to do that after having to disable S-Code, but when I restarted the laptop, I got the blue screen (of death) with error code 0xc000098. Unfortunately, my friend does not have/know her associated Microsoft account, a recovery disk, or anything else needed to get her Bitlocker key or to be able to unlock the Bitlocker encryption. Nor does she have the Windows install program or license key. Someone with Best Buy’s Geek Squad said that without that key, for $200 they could only completely wipe the laptop (& encryption) so Windows could be reinstalled but would also need Windows licensed software. They also said this laptop itself (purchased March 2026 from Nebraska Furniture …!!) was not worth this $200+ expense.
Can anyone at DMS “wipe” the Windows encrypted drive on this HP laptop without the Bitlocker key so that Windows can then be installed? OR - do you have any other ideas about “saving” this laptop from the trash?
First of all, the software license key for Windows is most like tied to that specific laptop, which means when you install Windows, it will automatically validate upon first connecting to the internet - so you will not need to re-purchase Windows.
Second, bitlocker only prevents you to getting access to the data currently on the drive, but should not prevent you from installing a fresh copy.
When booting from a Windows USB installer (free download from Microsoft) and choose the option of a fresh installation, the screen where you tell it where to install will also let you wipe the drive before you start.
Otherwise, you can remove the drive from the system, put it into a USB case, and wipe it from another computer.
I plan on being up there tomorrow evening if you have the laptop and we can get you going in no time.
Thank you so much for your offer of help! What time and where can I meet you tomorrow morning. Do i need to bring anything other than the laptop and maybe a USB drive?
