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Question

Laptop Locked

Aug 11, 2013 8:58PM PDT

Hi,
I worked for a company on a contract and when I left I was told I could keep the laptop I was using. It has been sitting on my shelf for the past year, as I was exepcting them to ask for it back, but I have recently confirmed I could keep it.
The problem is that I cant do much with it as it is locked to admin for me to be able to do anything.
Is there anyway to get passed this or wipe the laptop clean and start again.
Cheers

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: wipe clean and start again
Aug 11, 2013 9:03PM PDT

Most laptops nowadays have a recovery partition to boot from to go back to factory settings. What does the user manual of your manual say about it? If they forgot to give it to you, you might be able to download it from the makers site.
If no manual at all can be found, just post make and model here. Somebody might know then.

Kees

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Answer
Password required?
Aug 12, 2013 5:27AM PDT

Are you at a point you need a password to proceed or not. Just how is this locked? Does it boot-up up to a certain from the OS of this even earlier in the boot process. I can't seem to get a clear picture of what you're encountering, please explain.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Password
Aug 14, 2013 8:28PM PDT

Will have a look, i havent switch the laptop on for about a year. I just remember that to do anything I have to log onto the work system, cant access internet or anything without actually logging in.

The laptop is an HP Compaq 6530b

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Re: work system
Aug 14, 2013 8:32PM PDT

If it's locked to be usid in a domain, you'll need a fresh install of the OS. Choose whatever OS you like, but be sure the hardware your laptop is suited for it and you can find the necessary drivers.

Obvious choices are:
Windows 8 (not free)
Windows 7 (not free)
Ubuntu Linux (free)
Mint Linux (free)


Kees

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fresh install OS
Aug 14, 2013 8:38PM PDT

is this easy to do?

can I find instructions on line.

I think it was windows 7 installed on the laptop at the moment. What is Unbuntu and Mint like?

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Re: fresh install
Aug 14, 2013 8:57PM PDT

If you have the Windows install disk, and a license code that will be accepted by that disk, it's easy. Boot from it and follow the prompts. But you would have to find some drivers at the site of the maker of the laptop. Generally speaking, it's easier to order the recovery disks or see if there is a way to boot from a recovery partition on the hard to go back to factory conditions.

For Mint, see http://www.zdnet.com/mint-15-todays-best-linux-desktop-review-7000015691/
However, there might be driver issues. If there's a version that you can run from a cd/dvd (there is certainly is one for Ubuntu) you can play with it on your laptop.

Kees

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Answer
I did this two days ago
Aug 13, 2013 3:49AM PDT

My old laptop was locked because someone entered a password at logon and neglected to write it down. First I panicked. Then I went to McDonald's to have coffee and think. Then I spied a computer repair store next door. I went there and for $10 they inserted a cd with a program that went through the entire computer and wiped out every password in it. Then I celebrated with a McD's sundae.

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Locked/unlocked at McDonalds sippin on a slurpee :)
Aug 13, 2013 5:09AM PDT

Which store did you take this to, the one with the geek squad or another name brand store?
I'm having the same problem with a newer Dell Laptop... someone called me right after I changed the password and now.......
I can't remember the password.

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Lap lock
Aug 13, 2013 7:02AM PDT

First look next door to McD's for a computer shop. Mine is on Tillotson Ave. Muncie, IN. I think the name is "Right Bilt" or something like that. Only one in that location. I wish I knew the name of the program. Getting locked out has always been a fear. Since I don't keep secret or confidential information on my computer I just gave it a password I couldn't forget and real simple.

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Google NTPASSWD.
Aug 13, 2013 7:15AM PDT

It's likely what they used and it's free. Takes a few minutes.

Dafydd.

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Takes me at most 5 minutes.
Aug 13, 2013 7:27AM PDT

I use NTPASSWD (found with google) and can reset that in under 5 minutes.

It's free too.
Bob

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No .iso file
Aug 13, 2013 9:15AM PDT

Looks like a great little program but after unzipping there was no .iso file to burn to CD. Per the instructions this needs to be present. Any ideas?

Dave

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ISO file
Aug 13, 2013 9:20AM PDT

You don't unzip this, but use an ISO burning software such as IMGburn to create the disc.

Dafydd.

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Sorry.
Aug 13, 2013 9:26AM PDT
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No .ISO
Aug 16, 2013 6:57AM PDT

Sorry Dafydd but the instructions say to unzip and there should be an .iso file that can then be burned to the CD. I do have imgburn and use it periodically. I am still stumped by the instructions.

"How to make the CD

Unzipped, there should be an ISO image file (cd??????.iso). This can be burned to CD using whatever burner program you like, most support writing ISO-images. Often double-clikcing on it in explorer will pop up the program offering to write the image to CD. Once written the CD should only contain some files like "initrd.gz", "vmlinuz" and some others. If it contains the image file "cd??????.iso" you didn't burn the image but instead added the file to a CD. I cannot help with this, please consult you CD-software manual or friends. "

Dave

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Can you....
Aug 16, 2013 7:15AM PDT

supply a link to where you downloaded the ISO and I'll test it.

Dafydd.

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Try this guide.
Aug 16, 2013 9:08AM PDT
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Another one
Aug 15, 2013 11:59PM PDT

I use Ophcrack. Make it a bootable CD, start the computer, and let it run for a few minutes. It will show all system passwords, not erase them. I've only had to use it a few times, but it works great.

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(NT) Good alternative.
Aug 16, 2013 12:31AM PDT
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.iso file
Aug 16, 2013 7:01AM PDT

Thanks, I will give that a try as well.

Dave

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Locked Laptop ! ! !
Oct 18, 2013 4:47AM PDT

With the security of an IT friend by my side to help get through this...
I used NTPASSWD that a couple of you suggested and...
it WORKED LIKE A CHARM !
Thanks to all of you !

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Great.
Oct 18, 2013 4:51AM PDT

Good to know and well done.

Dafydd.