"new" used laptop - IBM

[Sherry]

I just bought this laptop that came with XP - I don't have the password for
the administrator, so I can't get past the log in screen. There HAS to be a
way to get around this - anyone know? I did email the seller, but no
response yet. Thanks!

 

[David H. Lipman]

From: "Sherry" <[email protected]>

| I just bought this laptop that came with XP - I don't have the password for
| the administrator, so I can't get past the log in screen. There HAS to be a
| way to get around this - anyone know? I did email the seller, but no
| response yet. Thanks!
| --
| ~sherry

Wipe it and re-install the OS from scratch!

 

[Sherry]

It didn't come with the disk, and the one I have is for a Dell

 

[David H. Lipman]

From: "Sherry" <[email protected]>

| It didn't come with the disk, and the one I have is for a Dell
| --
| ~sherry

Caveat emptor!

It is *always* suggested that when you get a used computer you should wipe it a reinstall
the OS from scratch.

You never know if there is malware such as password stealers, keyloggers or infostealers
deliberately installed on the PC or if malware exists due to the prior owners lack of
practicing Safe Hex.

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

Then the seller did not include a legitimate copy of Windows. What
you bought was hardware only that included a polluted hard disk. You
will need to contact the seller if they stated that Windows was
included in the sale; otherwise, you'll need to go buy a copy.

You don't have to have a CD to have a license. If there's an OEM XP sticker
on the laptop that's a license. The original machine may not even have
shipped with a reinstallation CD. And if the seller hung onto a disk that
shipped with the preinstalled laptop, the *seller* no longer has a license
to use the media.

That said, I quite agree that all used computers should be immediately wiped
& reinstalled (& patched) before use.