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I have a used computer from a company that went out of
business. I have NO disks, etc. I turn it on and it asks me
to push Ctrl/Alt/Del to start and I do. Then it has a login
screen with a persons name already typed in, the
password field is blank, and the "Log on to" screen has
two options...a company name and "(this computer)".
Obviously, there is no way a can guess this person's
password. I cannot get to any menu. I cannot get to the
"start' button. I don't know how to access DOS. All I can
do is Restart, Hibernate, etc.FYI, I only need this computer to run my children's CD-
Rom games. It will be offline and no other applications
will be needed. Thanks for any help!
Due to license restriction you can not use the installed copy of XP.By the way XP ahs never had any MS-DOS except in emulation NTVDM.
To prepare for the install of an O/S would suggest you wipe the drive, something like:
http://www.killdisk.com
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Ok. That's no problem as my husband has his own PC and
software too.I downloaded the free software from killdisk and I *think*
I properly burned it onto a DVD+R. (I'm using my
personal Mac right now.) So the killdisk is in the cd-Rom
drive of the used computer, I restarted the computer, but
I'm still at the same login screen. I don't know how to
make the CD-Rom work. I'm beginning to think I'm just
locked out permanently. <?> Can I somehow FORCE the
disc to work?Feeling stupid....
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nevermind killdisk, nevermind this 'license restriction' - usually the license will live and die with the PC
option a: get the password (you want to use this pc as is, u need the password, there's no way around it)
option b: reinstall a new operation system, whatever you have at hand. if you don't have windows xp, you can purchase a licensed copy. you may try something free like 'ubuntu' (www.ubuntu.com - download and burn the image on to a blank cd, it's free. but if you're looking for a machine the kids can play their games, you probably need windows.
ps: ubuntu will 'killdisk' the drive as well :-) ... and when u r used to a mac, gnome based linux isn't too strange a thing for you :-)
Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'
icq 10183575
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There is usually an option to press del or other key during bootup to get to bios. Being a Dell, it may be a combination of keys. Describe the exact model and maybe someone familiar with it can post exact instructions. Once there you should be able to reset coot order to CDROM first. save and exit. restart with the bootable CD in the drive
I used to have a signature but it disappeared and I just couldn't be bothered writing another so please feel free to ingore this.
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If it's a Dell, you might be able to restore it to the state it was when it left the factory. Below is the instructions to do that.
***************
When you start your computer, hold down the CTRL key and press F11 to access the system recovery wizard (this is assuming your hard drive is OK)- but be aware before you do this - depending on your selections, ALL DATA ON YOUR HARD DRIVE MAY BE ERASED.
****************
It does this restore from a hiddem partition on the hard drive.Do yourself a favor BACKUP!
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Ok. That's no problem as my husband has his own PC and
software too.I downloaded the free software from killdisk and I *think*
I properly burned it onto a DVD+R. (I'm using my
personal Mac right now.) So the killdisk is in the cd-Rom
drive of the used computer, I restarted the computer, but
I'm still at the same login screen. I don't know how to
make the CD-Rom work. I'm beginning to think I'm just
locked out permanently. <?> Can I somehow FORCE the
disc to work?Feeling stupid....
0
Without knowing what the exact purchase was on the system you can't tell what the state of the license restriction could be.
There are several ways that the system could be accessed. There is one site that allows you to put a floppy in and they send you the password. There are a few places that show you how one might get past it too.
You might want to see ways to get the key code if not on the side. For the most part if I had the sticker on the side I'd load another CD on (IF you don't for sure have the recovery means like on big name boxes!) and change the key if worse comes to worse.
I'd see if the company did have the media. Dell is famous for making a hidden partition with the oem software on it. As above you can restore it to OEM state. Be careful if you try to repartition it.
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Sorry about the repost. I refreshed my screen to see if
anyone had replied. And well...you know.WOW! Tons of responses here. Thanks guys. All the info
will keep me busy trying.As for the Dell, its model # is DCTR, which I think is an
Optiplex. <?>
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Try here.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=recover+xp+password&btnG=Google+Search
http://computervitals.com/
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Go here:
Scroll to the bottom and download the CD image. You might want to browse through the instructions first although the procedure is almost automatic when you boot up with this CD.
It won't tell you what the password is, but will allow you to change it. I usually just "blank" it so no password is required. This CD works every time for me :)
Hope this helps.
Musky
If the voices inside my head paid rent, I'd be rich!
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 Restoring retrieved chkds...
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freezing pc.corrupt windo...
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