Factory reset an HP Dimension device

You can factory reset (powerwash) an HP Dimension device to troubleshoot issues or re-enroll the device by wiping the device data. This guide provides instructions for wiping the device data using a recovery image.

When to factory reset

A factory reset removes your data from the device and re-installs the default ChromeOS. It's a required step when deprovisioning and then re-enrolling devices, which you need to do for the following operations:

  • Enroll the device with a different Google Workspace domain.
  • Change your Beam license to a different video conferencing provider (from Zoom to Meet or vice versa). You also need to buy the appropriate new license and factory reset the touchscreen.
  • Change the language on the device.
  • Change the network configuration from DHCP to static IP or the other way around.
  • Troubleshoot a device that isn't starting correctly.

Prerequisites

Before you begin the factory reset process, ensure you have the following items:

  • Deprovisioned device: Before a reset, the device must be deprovisioned in the Google Admin console (and removed from the Zoom Room in the Zoom web portal if you have a Google Beam for Zoom license). This revokes its license and prepares it for re-enrollment.
  • Stable web connection: Required for downloading any necessary recovery components and for the subsequent re-enrollment.
  • A USB-A flash drive (at least 16GB of available space)
  • A USB keyboard
  • Another computer with Chrome installed and a USB-A port that you can use to create the recovery drive
  • A paperclip

Prepare a recovery image

You'll use the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension to create a recovery image on the USB drive.

  1. On the other computer, open Chrome and install the extension.
  2. Open the recovery extension:
    1. In your browser window, click Extensions.
    2. Select the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension. If the extension dialog doesn't automatically open on your screen, make sure it's turned on.
  3. Click Get started.
  4. Click Select a model from a list, then click Select a manufacturer and select HP.
  5. Click Select a product, then select HP Dimension.
  6. Click Continue.

    Chromebook Recovery Utility showing HP Dimension selected

  7. Insert your USB flash drive into the computer.

  8. In the drop-down menu, choose your USB flash drive.

  9. Click Continue and then Create now.

  10. When you get a message that your recovery media is ready, remove your USB flash drive from the computer.

Wipe the HP Dimension

This process wipes all data from an HP Dimension and replaces it with a production image, restoring the device to its factory default state.

  1. Prepare the device: Ensure that the device is turned on with the main screen showing the existing UI.
  2. Enter recovery mode:

    1. Find the power button on the compute module and the reset hole to the right of the power button. Refer to your device's hardware guide if needed.
    2. Insert the paperclip into the reset hole and press firmly until you feel the internal button engaged. While holding the paperclip in, press and hold the power button for 2–3 seconds, then release both simultaneously.

      Finger pointing to reset button, with paperclip in the reset hole

  3. Initiate recovery: Follow the on-screen prompts to proceed. If the recovery screen doesn't open, repeat the previous step. Ensure the button combination is held for less than 4 seconds; holding them longer can result in a black screen. If this occurs, repeat step 2 until the recovery screen is visible.

    Recovery screen showing prompts

  4. Install the recovery image: Insert the USB drive with the recovery image. This will automatically start the recovery process unless the image is invalid.

  5. Completion: Once the installation is complete, the device will restart and will be in the factory default state, with no trace of previous usage except for calibration data. It can then be re-enrolled like a new device.

Further assistance

If you encounter any issues during this process, contact your HP Amplify reseller for support.