I bought a used Dell mini desktop computer with a Windows operating system. Going to use it for a project.
When I turn it on I get the dreaded “control, alt, delete.” Then it shows username as “administrator” and I don’t have a password.
Is there a work around or some way to reset this? I’ve looked online and tried some suggestions but no luck. Maybe a computer savvy person here can give me some things to try. Thanks!
Which windows? If it's 7 you can use safe mode to get around the password and let you in.
Alternately, if you get a Dell Windows ISO for the same version on the machine, you can just wipe the machine - the license is encoded on the motherboard rom.
Bypass on boot up?
https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-unlock-a-computer-without-a-password-reset-disk
or re-install
If you don't need to retrieve any data, just reinstall Windows. Search for "Dell restore disk" and the version of the operating system.
If you need to retrieve data, just remove the hard drive, connect it to another computer, and copy what you need. Then reinstall windows.
Quoted from ForceFlow:If you don't need to retrieve any data, just reinstall Windows. Search for "Dell restore disk" and the version of the operating system.
If you need to retrieve data, just remove the hard drive, connect it to another computer, and copy what you need. Then reinstall windows.
If it's Windows 7, just bypassing with safe mode and resetting the password in safe mode is a lot faster and easier.
Quoted from Guzz4851:I bought a used Dell mini desktop computer
Quoted from PinMonk:If it's Windows 7, just bypassing with safe mode and resetting the password in safe mode is a lot faster and easier.
Maybe, but I wouldn't trust someone else's computer to be malware-free.
Quoted from ForceFlow:Maybe, but I wouldn't trust someone else's computer to be malware-free.
Well, if you're hooking the hard drive to another computer and copying files off it, you've already made that trust fall. At least doing it the bypass way, it's still self-contained and can be scanned and cleaned in isolation before you pull files.
Quoted from PinMonk:Well, if you're hooking the hard drive to another computer and copying files off it, you've already made that trust fall. At least doing it the bypass way, it's still self-contained and can be scanned and cleaned in isolation before you pull files.
To be fair, I didn't catch it was someone else's computer on the first read-through. I just saw reusing an old computer for a new project.
I still think the best approach is just to blow it away and reinstall.
Quoted from ForceFlow:To be fair, I didn't catch it was someone else's computer on the first read-through. I just saw reusing an old computer for a new project.
I still think the best approach is just to blow it away and reinstall.
On that point, we are in total agreement.
It has XP? Unfortunately that's not going to run Windows 7, 8, or especially 10 at any usable capacity. Unless you're wanting to run Linux Mint, Linux Lite, or Lubuntu for web browing and some basic office applications, it's pretty useless.
Quoted from Guzz4851:Thanks guys.
It was someone else’s I bought it for a project.
It has windows XP.
How does one go about reinstalling windows?
You need a Dell Win XP iso (is it Home? Professional? It needs to be the right one) to reinstall UNLESS there is a recovery partition on it. Try tapping F8 at startup and see if you get repair options. If it has a recovery partition, you can reinstall windows from that.
You can get into the machine by booting in safe mode and just changing the admin password, too.
Even if he could re-install XP he still couldn't use it after 30 days. Microsoft shut down the activation servers years ago.
If this is a used unkown to you PC I would just reinstall windows and start fresh. there usually is a license key sticker somewhere.
Quoted from Crash:It has XP? Unfortunately that's not going to run Windows 7, 8, or especially 10 at any usable capacity. Unless you're wanting to run Linux Mint, Linux Lite, or Lubuntu for web browing and some basic office applications, it's pretty useless.
Maybe his project is MAME, then it's fine. 
Try this https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-tips-to-help-you-reset-a-forgotten-windows-xp-password/
I've had success with #2 and #4
Quoted from Guzz4851:Press F8 and I get these choices...[quoted image]
It's been a long time for Win XP, but try return to OS choices and see if you get a repair menu.
Download the Ultimate Boot CD, burn it, boot it up.
Under HDD Tools, pick Data Recovery, then pick Offline NT Password Editor.
Ophcrack for XP should work too!
Quoted from LateCenturyMods:Download the Ultimate Boot CD, burn it, boot it up.
Under HDD Tools, pick Data Recovery, then pick Offline NT Password Editor.
Ophcrack for XP should work too!
Seems like a lot of work when safe mode or a Dell XP disc install will solve the problem.
Also, crack not required since Dells have the Win license encoded in the MB roms. You can reinstall from any Dell OS disk that's the same flavor.
Here you go, just use a password reset key
https://www.amazon.ca/Recovery-Password-Better-Windows-Versions-7/dp/B01BO6604S/ref=sr_1_1
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