Instructions on CREATING the

MPM-Unlocking SMC.BIN USB Drive

September 2015

This document describes how to create a USB drive for the SMC.BIN file used to unlock the MPM
(Manufacturers Programming Mode) to allow for DMI programming after system board replacement
for HP Windows-based mobile systems, tablets, desktops and workstations.

Contents

Creating the USB Drive .................................................................................................. 2

Using the SMC.BIN to Unlock the System ..................................................................... 6

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Instructions on CREATING the MPM-Unlocking SMC.BIN USB Drive

Creating the USB Drive

Use this drive for SMC.BIN unlocking file on MPM-locked systems.

Important!
This process requires a dedicated USB drive. The SMC.BIN file must be the
ONLY file on the drive for it to be read correctly. You can delete the file and
reuse the drive after unlocking the target system.

The SMC.BIN file will be unusable after 10 days or 10 use attempts.

Process overview:

WARNING
! All information is erased on the drive during formatting. This process requires
a dedicated drive.

Part A – Formatting the drive

1. Download the following files:

Item: Link:

HP USB Disk http://www.bay-wolf.com/utility/usbkey/usbmemkeyboot.zip

Storage
Format Tool

Save the files to a known location easily accessible from the root (for example,
C:\utilities\DOS Boot). These are the tools we will use to format the drive.

2. Extract HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, SP27608.exe.

3. Plug the flash drive into a USB port. (2 GB to 4GB drive recommended.)

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4. Navigate to HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool and run it with Administrator rights.

5. In Device, select the USB drive you want to use.

6. In File System, select FAT32.
7. In Format Options, select Quick Format.

8. Click Start and wait for it to complete formatting the drive.

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Instructions on CREATING the MPM-Unlocking SMC.BIN USB Drive

Part B – Obtaining the SMC.BIN file

1. Download or request a SMC.BIN file from one of the following sources, depending on the
system and your role at HP:

System: Link:

Desktops and https://hp.sharepoint.com/teams/cmitbiosrellab/Lists/SMC%2

Workstations 0REQUEST/default.aspx 

Notebooks and HP Internal – your district’s SMC.bin Focal

Tablets
External Partners – escalate to 2LS

The following information is required to generate the unique SMC.BIN file for that system:

System: Required: How to view:

Desktops and UUID  In BIOS

Workstations  Type into a Windows 8.1, or later, command
prompt:
wmic csproduct get uuid

Notebooks and Serial  In BIOS

Tablets number  Run WNDMIFIT

Will fail if serial # contains spaces or dashes.

Use the information programmed into the

locked system. It may not be what is on the
label.

UUID  In BIOS
 Run WNDMIFIT
 Type into a Windows 8.1, or later, command
prompt:
wmic csproduct get uuid
 From BiosSettingsRead.txt in WNDMIFIT
directory (from last system)

2. Copy the SMC.BIN file you receive to the formatted USB drive. Each SMC.BIN file is unique to
the system it is generated for and can only be used on that system.

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3. The MPM unlocking flash drive will then be ready for use.

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Instructions on CREATING the MPM-Unlocking SMC.BIN USB Drive

Using the SMC.BIN to Unlock the System

After the custom SMC file has obtained, use it to unlock the system:

1. Save the SMC Blob to the FAT32-formatted USB key with filename SMC.BIN. The USB DOK
should be at least 256 MB but no larger than 4 GB. No other files should be on the drive.
2. Enter the system BIOS and change/confirm the following settings:
a. Boot Mode – UEFI Hybrid
b. Fast Boot – Disabled
3. Save changes and reboot the system.
4. Plug the flash drive into the locked system.
5. Press the following keys while powering on the system to automatically read the SMC.BIN
file:

System: Keys:

2015 or newer HP systems Windows Key + Arrow UP Key

2014 or older HP systems Windows Key + Arrow UP Key + Arrow DOWN Key

HP ElitePad Volume-up + Power button

6. When you see the blue HP logo, release all keys and then press Esc or F10.
7. When the menu appears, power the system off and remove the drive.
8. Reboot and follow DMI programming steps.

If the SMC file is read correctly, a brief message on a white screen is displayed:

This will change the UUID and unlock the board for you to program it correctly.

Follow the procedure for DMI Programming. Check the BIOS to verify DMI information saved.

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SMC Issues
Potential reasons the SMC.BIN may not run correctly:

 Wrong UUID is provided to create the tool.

 Serial number from the label or SNR used instead of one programmed into locked system.
 USB key is not formatted FAT32.
 BIOS date and time are incorrect.
 May need a different brand or smaller size USB key (recommend 2 GB or smaller key).
 Try to use a USB 2.0 port, not a USB 3.0 port. If freezing while loading, try a different USB
port within the 10 attempts.
 The SMC file is more than 10 days old, or has been tried 10 times.

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