This tool does not run inside Windows. It must be run from a DOS environment. Modern USB drives have replaced the old floppy disks.
F10 to write. The tool will call Hpbq138.exe automatically to finalize the checksum.F10 to enter BIOS – your data should now be visible.These tools are model-specific. The version of Hpbq138.exe for a dc7800 will corrupt a dc7900. Check the sticker on your case or run wmic bios get serialnumber in Command Prompt.
This is the most dangerous part for most users. Many online forums link to sketchy file hosting sites. Here is a safe, step-by-step approach.
Without a legitimate Hpbq138.exe file, the Dmifit Tool is just a graphical shell—it cannot perform the actual write operation.
HP DMI Programming: A Guide to the DmiFit Tool and HPBQ138.exe
When repairing or refurbishing an HP laptop, you may encounter the "Product Information Not Valid" error during startup. This occurs because the motherboard’s Desktop Management Interface (DMI) information—such as the serial number, SKU, and model—is missing or was reset after a motherboard replacement.
The DmiFit Tool (specifically the HPBQ138.exe utility) is the primary solution used by technicians to "tattoo" this information back into the BIOS. What is the DmiFit Tool?
The HP Mobile Firmware Interface Tool (DMIFIT) is a specialized utility designed to write configuration data to the BIOS of HP devices. Introduced in 2009, it replaced older tools like HPSetCfg and BrandIT to support a wider range of HP consumer and commercial notebooks.
HPBQ138.exe is a core DOS-based component of this toolset. It allows for manual entry of critical system identifiers: Dmifit Tool And Hpbq138.exe Download
Serial Number (S/N): Located on the bottom of the laptop or under the battery. SKU Number: Also known as the Product Number.
UUID/GUID: Unique identifiers for the machine (often auto-generated).
PCID: A code typically found on a white label under the battery. How to Use HPBQ138.exe (Step-by-Step)
Because HPBQ138.exe is a DOS-based utility, it cannot run directly within Windows. You must create a bootable environment. 1. Prepare a Bootable USB Download a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive. Set the boot selection to FreeDOS or MS-DOS.
Once the drive is ready, copy the HPBQ138.exe file directly to the root of the USB stick. 2. Boot into DOS Insert the USB drive into the HP laptop.
Power on the device and repeatedly press F9 to open the Boot Options menu. Select your USB Hard Drive from the list. 3. Run the Utility At the command prompt, type HPBQ138.exe and press Enter. Follow the on-screen menus to enter your system's data.
Note: If your motherboard is locked, you may need to unlock Manufacturing Programming Mode (MPM) before changes can be saved.
How can I fix the boot process on my HP laptop? - Super User This tool does not run inside Windows
DMIFIT Tool (specifically the HPBQ138.exe utility) is a specialized tool used by HP service technicians to program system information—such as serial numbers, product numbers, and model names—directly onto a computer's motherboard.
This process, often referred to as "tattooing" the BIOS, is typically required after a motherboard replacement when the system information is missing or showing "00A" (Product Information Not Found) errors on startup. Key Features and Use Cases Fixing Startup Errors
: It resolves messages indicating missing system board information. System "Tattooing"
: It allows you to enter the original serial number, PCID, and product number found on the device's physical stickers or battery compartment. BIOS Customization
: Technicians use it to burn-in hardware-specific identifiers like the Feature Byte Using HPBQ138.exe
The utility is an old DOS-based tool and cannot be run directly within Windows. Prepare a Bootable Drive : Use a tool like to create a bootable USB thumb drive. Add the Utility : Drag the HPBQ138.exe file into the main directory of the bootable drive. Boot to DOS : Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. Execute the Tool
at the DOS prompt. You will then be prompted to fill in the correct system information. Critical Considerations Compatibility
: HPBQ138.exe is an older version. If it fails with a "utility cannot be executed on this platform" error, you may need a newer version like HPBQ193.exe Write and Exit: Press F10 to write
: Incorrectly entering information can lead to hardware activation issues or system instability. It is generally recommended for advanced users or technicians. Official Availability
: Because this is an internal service tool, it is not officially hosted on standard HP Support
DMI stands for Desktop Management Interface. It is a standard used to track hardware components in a computer.
The HP DMI Fit Tool (often branded as HPBFO or found within the HP Unified Extensible Firmware Interface - UEFI) is a utility provided by HP to Authorized Service Providers. Its primary purpose is to update the non-volatile memory (NVRAM) on a system board.
What information does it write?
You should search for a Dmifit Tool and Hpbq138.exe download in the following scenarios:
Warning: Do not use these tools on modern HP systems (e.g., 2018+). Modern systems use HP BIOS Configuration Utility (BCU) or HP System Software Manager (SSM) for DMI changes.