H-P hired a law firm to do its own investigation and has exonerated Mr. Hurd of sexual harassment, saying he didn't violate H-P's guidelines, even while refusing to disclose Ms. Fisher's allegations or H-P's findings.

WSJ: Common Sense: Hewlett-Packard Still Can't Handle the Truth

In part because of the pretexting experience, H-P's board conducted lengthy discussions over the summer on how to disclose Ms. Fisher's allegations, even before the board decided to dismiss Mr. Hurd, the Journal has reported.

WSJ: SEC Probe Examines Hurd Exit From H-P