I just bought an IBM ValuePoint 486DX/33 running win 95 from a thrift store just to fool around with. I can't even open the case though. It's either stuck or has something to do with this key socket on the front. I've never seen those before, but it looks like I need a key to open up the case, and I don't have it. Is there anyway to open it without the key? Thanks for answering my probably off-topic question.

It is probably a kensington lock. Take the notebook and your receipt to a locksmith. It will probably cost about $50 to have the lock removed.

I thought I could resist asking this question, but I couldn't. How do you know it even works if you purchased it locked (and if it wasn't locked when purchased, shouldn't the thrift store have the key?)?

Okay, I don't get it, efabes. How do I know it works? When I turn it on, it boots up to Win 95. I think you've misunderstood me. I can't physically open up the case. I want to open it up, look at the internal components, and I think that lock is preventing the case from opening. The lock has nothing to do with whether it's working or not! And oh yeah, this is a desktop, not a notebook. $50 seems to be steep, since I only got the comp for $5. Is there anyway I could open up the case without paying big? Thanks for helping!

Yes, sorry, I misunderstood. The lock may be for the case, it may also be for the keyboard. I have had pc's with both types of locks. You can call a locksmith to determine if the lock takes the type of standard key that can be cut from the model number.

Get a drill with a larger drill bit and drill the lock out.. be very carful..

you may be able to pry it apart possibly.. I've done it both ways.. once case is appart by the prying method then simply remove the lock..