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Newly aquired Vista laptop


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#1
Destrada4280

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I just bought a laptop from a third party, unfortunately they neglected to tell me the administrator password so I am currently logged in as a guest. I have tried using the user functionality in the control panel but can't add an administrator user, it has been password protected. I don't have the Vista operating system discs. Is there anything I can do other than buying new hardware/software?
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#2
UV_Power

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What kind of laptop is it? If it's HP, Compaq, or Sony then you can just "recover" (...reformat and re-install...) the operating system from an embedded partition on the hard drive without any discs. Otherwise you can try contacting the company that made it and request recovery discs and go from there.

I'm sure there is an easier way, but this is the one I would recommend since you don't know what kind of stuff is on your laptop from the previous owner.
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#3
Gravity Gripp

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Easiest thing would be to contact the third party that sold you the laptop.
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#4
Murray S.

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I just bought a laptop from a third party, unfortunately they neglected to tell me the administrator password so I am currently logged in as a guest. I have tried using the user functionality in the control panel but can't add an administrator user, it has been password protected. I don't have the Vista operating system discs. Is there anything I can do other than buying new hardware/software?


Howdy:

The seller was legally obligated to give you the operating system disks when they sold you the system or they had to completely format the computer to remove the OS.

As it stands, odds are, they are going to use that cd to install Vista on their new system which will make you unable to download any updates as Microsoft will see your install as an illegal installation.

Either get the cd or you will end up being forced to buy your own copy.

Murray
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#5
deathninja

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removed link

See comment below

Edited by starjax, 14 December 2007 - 05:25 AM.

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#6
wannabe1

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I'm sorry, but we can not help you breech the security of your machine. While your request may be sincere, the next person who googles the answer here may not have such noble intent.

This topic is closed.
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