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Laptop password

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  • 09-10-2016 8:36pm
    #1
    jimbooth
    Registered Users Posts: 335 ✭✭


    Hi, I bought a second-hand laptop and the seller can't remember the password to unlock it, they haven't used it in a bit. Any tips how to unlock it ?


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    #2
    ZENER
    Registered Users Posts: 6,163 ✭✭✭ZENER


    Is it the Windows password or the BIOS password that's needed ?

    I'd also wager that a seller who's "forgotten" the password probably isn't the original owner.

    Ken


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    #3
    jimbooth
    Registered Users Posts: 335 ✭✭jimbooth


    The password to access main use. Pic and name on screen are of the seller


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    #4
    ItHurtsWhenIP
    Registered Users Posts: 2,025 ✭✭✭ItHurtsWhenIP


    What OS is it running? Win7, Win8.1 or Win10?

    You will need to restore the OS - the method depends on the version.


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    #5
    FanadMan
    Registered Users Posts: 3,820 ✭✭✭FanadMan


    ItHurtsWhenIP wrote: »
    What OS is it running? Win7, Win8.1 or Win10?

    You will need to restore the OS - the method depends on the version.

    Would a password reset tool not be a better idea first? Plenty of them available via Google


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    #6
    TheChizler
    Registered Users Posts: 9,455 ✭✭✭TheChizler


    Presumably they don't want the previous owner's data and settings?


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    #7
    FanadMan
    Registered Users Posts: 3,820 ✭✭✭FanadMan


    Depending on how it was set up originally and what version of Windows it is, they might have to create system disks first. Also, if it is a stolen machine and if it was mine, I'd love if someone found it and didn't reset it. New owner could also find blackmail info :D


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    #8
    paconnors
    Registered Users Posts: 1,641 ✭✭✭paconnors


    jimbooth wrote: »
    Hi, I bought a second-hand laptop and the seller can't remember the password to unlock it, they haven't used it in a bit. Any tips how to unlock it ?

    Be careful you didn't but a stolen laptop. sounds dodgy when they cant remember a password, when selling it


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    #9
    jimbooth
    Registered Users Posts: 335 ✭✭jimbooth


    It's their pic and name on profile, it hasn't been used in 3 years, they just can't remember password exactly as it was something obscure. It's not stolen.


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    #10
    mach1982
    Registered Users Posts: 760 ✭✭✭mach1982


    jimbooth wrote: »
    It's their pic and name on profile, it hasn't been used in 3 years, they just can't remember password exactly as it was something obscure. It's not stolen.

    Look we only want to help you.

    Just because it has his PIC with a name they gave you , doesn't mean it their real name.

    It just it sounds fishy. they have not used it fro 3 years , why? Is the battery or is there some else not working . Most people don't use obscure password , I should know work in tech support. Do they have receipt of purchase?

    Elliot Alderson.


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    #11
    jimbooth
    Registered Users Posts: 335 ✭✭jimbooth


    mach1982 wrote: »
    Look we only want to help you.

    Just because it has his PIC with a name they gave you , doesn't mean it their real name.

    It just it sounds fishy. they have not used it fro 3 years , why? Is the battery or is there some else not working . Most people don't use obscure password , I should know work in tech support. Do they have receipt of purchase?

    Elliot Alderson.

    Do you have a receipt for something you bought 5 years ago ?
    They stopped using it when they lost the charger a little over 2 yrs ago. All the pics etc date back 5+ years to date of original software installation.
    The password they had used was not specific to anything and therefore they couldn't recollect it. I have same model laptop but got destroyed but had a charger so I bought this with full knowledge of who I bought from and they're address.


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    #12
    ED E
    Registered Users Posts: 36,167 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    If the admin account is a microsoft account you need to wipe the machine.

    If the admin account is a local account its trivial to reset the password. There are loads of bootable CDs thatll do this or even http://www.passwordresetkey.com/site/


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    #13
    backspacer
    Registered Users Posts: 555 ✭✭✭backspacer


    Try NT online password reset tool,but again this will depend on what version of Windows it is running


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    #14
    Gazzmonkey
    Registered Users Posts: 816 ✭✭✭Gazzmonkey


    jimbooth wrote: »
    Hi, I bought a second-hand laptop and the seller can't remember the password to unlock it, they haven't used it in a bit. Any tips how to unlock it ?

    Hi,

    If you still need to bypass the login screen PM me and I'll explain how it's done.


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    #15
    columf
    Registered Users Posts: 70 ✭✭columf


    You can use trinity rescue kit it as live linux you can put on a cd or usb it has a windows password reset tool that easy to use. That or reinstall the OS which would be a better solution as you would have a fresh clean copy of the os


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    #16
    jimbooth
    Registered Users Posts: 335 ✭✭jimbooth


    Thanks all, got sorted with YouTube video. Quite easy really.


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    #17
    mordeith
    Registered Users Posts: 5,278 ✭✭✭mordeith


    jimbooth wrote: »
    Thanks all, got sorted with YouTube video. Quite easy really.

    You should post the link for others benefit


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    #18
    beauf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,648 ✭✭✭✭beauf


    Should really wipe the machine. Its going to be running like a dog with an used version of Windows.


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    #19
    jimbooth
    Registered Users Posts: 335 ✭✭jimbooth


    Got sorted thanks, just look up " unlock your Windows password in 15 mins"


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