A bootable USB drive is created (often using tools like Rufus ) to load a DOS-based operating system.
If you are a casual user and see this file in a temporary folder after a driver update, it is likely just a leftover installer component that can be safely removed.
Once the metrics are saved, exit the utility, remove the USB drive, and restart the PC. Safety and Security Considerations
If you no longer use an HP printer or need to remove the file for some reason, you can uninstall the HP printer software. To do this: hpbq138.exe
A bootable DOS tool (such as Rufus to create the bootable drive). Step-by-Step Procedure
is a DMIFIT (Desktop Management Interface File Information Tool) utility used by Hewlett-Packard. It is designed to program, update, or rewrite system-specific information—such as the serial number, SKU number, and model name—directly onto the motherboard's BIOS/EEPROM.
hpbq138.exe is an executable file associated with HP DeskJet 2130, 2135, 3630, 3635, and 3830 All-in-One Printer series. The file is a part of the HP printer software and is responsible for printer communication and management. A bootable USB drive is created (often using
Follow the on-screen prompts to input the Serial Number, Model Name, and Feature Byte exactly as they appear on the sticker. Save the changes. Alternative Methods: BIOS DMIFIT
If you see the error message: it usually means you are using the wrong version of the tool for your specific motherboard. HP uses different versions of DMIFIT for different generations of laptops. You may need to look for a different version of the utility (such as nbdmifit ) if HPBQ138.exe does not work. Safety and Security
Because it is a DOS-based utility, it cannot be run directly within Windows. Safety and Security Considerations If you no longer
: Different versions of the utility correspond to specific motherboard generations; using an incorrect version may result in an "utility cannot be executed on this platform" error.
is a legacy proprietary utility used by HP technicians to "tattoo" a motherboard with system-specific information like serial numbers and product IDs. It is part of the HP DMI (Desktop Management Interface) or DMIFIT toolset. Core Functionality
It is commonly referred to as the (Desktop Management Interface Firmware Interface Tool) or the HP EEPROM Utility . Primary Purpose: "Tattooing" the BIOS